HM Treasury

Tax Allowances: Pensions

Stephen Doughty: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Answer of 20 February 2012, Official Report, column 643W, on tax allowance pensions, what proportion of income tax relief on contributions accrued to, or is expected to accrue to, individuals with an annual income of (a) up to £19,999, (b) between £20,000 and £44,999, (c) between £45,000 and £74,999, (d) between £75,000 and £99,999, (e) between £100,000 and £149,999 and (f) over £150,000 in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12, (iii) 2012-13, (iv) 2013-14 and (v) 2014-15.

Stephen Doughty: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Answer of 20 February 2012 to Question 95617, what estimate he has made of the proportion of income tax relief on contributions accruing to individuals with an annual income of (a) up to £19,999, (b) between £20,000 and £44,999, (c) between £45,000 and £74,999, (d) between £75,000 and £99,999, (e) between £100,000 and £149,999 and (f) over £150,000 in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12, (iii) 2012-13, (iv) 2013-14 and (v) 2014-15.

Mr David Gauke: The proportion of the cost of income tax relief on pension contributions for the given income ranges, and years, is provided in the table below.  % of the cost of income tax relief on contributionsIncome bands2009-102010-112011-122012-132013-142014-15Up to £19,9998%6%5%6%5%5%Between £20,000 and £44,99931%32%35%37%37%36%Between £45,000 and £74,99925%26%28%32%33%34%Between £75,000 and £99,9997%8%8%10%10%10%Between £100,000 and £149,9998%9%9%7%8%8%£150,000 or more20%18%14%8%7%7%All100%100%100%100%100%100% Estimates are based on Surveys of Personal Incomes with projections for 2012-13 onwards. Historical estimates have been updated to take into account the latest outturn data and updated projections. Projected years are subject to uncertainty.   The effect of the reductions in the Annual Allowance in 2011‑12 and Lifetime Allowance from 2012-13, as well as further reductions in both allowances in 2014-15 are reflected in the table. These restrictions mostly affect individuals with incomes over £150,000 hence the drop in share of tax relief for these individuals in latter years.  Increases in the Personal Allowance (from £6,475 in 2009-10 to £10,000 in 2014-15) cause a decline in the share of income tax relief going to those in the “Up to £19,999” income band. The higher personal allowance reduces the amount of income subject to tax for these individuals, hence also reduces their share of tax relief.

Mobile Phones: Radio Frequencies

Sir Peter Luff: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to paragraph 1.117 of the Autumn Statement 2014, if he will take steps to compensate Programme Making and Special Event users of spectrum removed from the wavelengths they currently use to facilitate the further clearance of spectrum for mobile use.

Danny Alexander: As detailed in the National Infrastructure Plan and Autumn Statement, subject to the development of delivery options by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Ofcom, further details of the change of use of 700MHz spectrum will be set out in 2015. As part of that process, we will look at the impact for Programme Making and Special Events and other current users.

Mortgages

Mr Nigel Dodds: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make representations at EU level to prevent an EU Mortgage Credit Directive from (a) significantly altering current regulatory practice in the UK and (b) increasing costs and administration for businesses and consumers.

Andrea Leadsom: The UK already has a robust regulatory regime to protect consumers in the UK mortgage market. Throughout the negotiation of the Mortgage Credit Directive (MCD), the UK focused on aligning its requirements as far as possible with the existing UK regulations, with a view to minimising the impact on UK industry and consumers. The Government’s proposed approach to the implementation of the MCD, as with the negotiations, is to minimise the impact on the UK market. For this reason the Government is proposing to build on the existing UK regulatory regime in our transposition of the MCD, rather than copy out the Directive into UK legislation.  This approach is set out in more detail in the Government’s consultation on the Implementation of the EU MCD, which closed on 31 October. A summary of responses to the consultation will be published in due course.

Air Passenger Duty

Lady Hermon: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make it his policy to exempt students flying on domestic flights within the UK from air passenger duty; and if he will make a statement.

Priti Patel: Budget 2014 announced a freeze in the rate of Air Passenger Duty for short-haul international and domestic flights for a fourth year running. In addition Budget 2014 reforms Air Passenger Duty with the abolition of bands C and D from 1 April 2015. This cuts tax for passengers travelling to destinations such as Brazil, India, China, South Asia and the Caribbean.   Autumn Statement 2014 also announced an Air Passenger Duty exemption for children under 12 on economy tickets, with effect from 1 May 2015. This will be extended to include children under 16, so that from 1 March 2016 all students of compulsory school age will be exempt from Air Passenger Duty.   The Chancellor keeps all taxes including Air Passenger Duty under review.

Mortgages: Government Assistance

Mr Nigel Dodds: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to help home buyers aged over 40 acquire mortgages.

Andrea Leadsom: The government has taken steps to support people who aspire to own their own home. The Help to Buy scheme has helped over 71,000 people to buy their home, and is available for first time buyers and those moving house. As announced in the Autumn Statement, the government is also cutting stamp duty for 98% of people who pay it by reforming the way that it is charged.  The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is responsible for the rules that protect consumers taking out a mortgage. In April this year the requirements on firms around responsible lending were strengthened with the introduction of the new rules known as the Mortgage Market Review. The operation of these rules is a matter for the FCA, whose day-to-day operations are independent from government.

Electronic Commerce: VAT

Dr Julian Huppert: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential effects of planned changes in EU VAT on digital sales on the level of exporting to other EU member states by small businesses.

Mr David Gauke: I refer the honourable member to my reply to his question number 217568 - PQN/14-15/2014/06232

Infrastructure

Sir Oliver Heald: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps he is taking to invest in infrastructure.

Danny Alexander: The National Infrastructure Plan 2014 provides details of over £460 billion of planned public and private investment to 2020 and beyond. This includes £15 billion of investment on over 100 strategic road schemes, and £2.3 billion of investment in over 1400 flood defence schemes.

Electronic Commerce: VAT

Dr Julian Huppert: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will take steps to ensure that small businesses are not adversely affected by the implementation of new EU VAT rules for digital sales.

Dr Julian Huppert: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on small businesses of proposed changes to EU VAT rules for digital sales.

Dr Julian Huppert: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will give consideration to extending the current VAT threshold to digital sales across the EU.

Mr David Gauke: Businesses that supply digital services to consumers in other Member States are covered by the new VAT rules. However, there are a number of supporting measures to mitigate the impact on small businesses.   HMRC will allow businesses below the VAT registration threshold to register for VAT in respect of their cross border sales only. This means these businesses can use the on-line Mini One Stop Shop, which removes the burden of registering for VAT in other Member States, whilst also retaining the benefit of the national VAT threshold for their domestic sales. Small businesses that sell through a digital platform will not have to register for VAT because the operator of the marketplace has the responsibility to account for the VAT.   HMRC has also provided extensive guidance to support businesses, including organising a Twitter Clinic and publishing answers to the main questions and is engaging with Enterprise Nation about the concerns of micro businesses. A Tax Information and Impact Note was published on 10 December 2013 which included an assessment of the impact on small and micro businesses. It is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/264647/Overview_of_legislation_in_draft.pdf  Introducing a cross-border threshold for digital sales is not permitted under European Law. This would require a change in EU law agreed by all Member States.

Prime Minister

Syria

Mr Nigel Dodds: To ask the Prime Minister, whether he plans to discuss (a) an increase in the number of refugees from Syria resettling in the EU and (b) measures to help the families of such refugees at the next European Council.

Mr David Cameron: The proposed agenda for the European Council on 18-19 December can be found on the european-council.europa.eu website.

Devolution: Scotland

Dr William McCrea: To ask the Prime Minister, what discussions he has had with the devolved administrations about the recommendations of the Smith Commission.

Mr David Cameron: I discussed the Smith Commission with Nicola Sturgeon on 19 November following her election as First Minister of Scotland. I made clear the Government’s commitment to continue to deliver on the vow made by the three pro-UK parties for further powers to the Scottish Parliament and to stick to the clear timetable set out. I look forward to further discussion with the First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on improving inter-governmental working, one of the key recommendations of the Smith Commission.

Department for Work and Pensions

Employment and Support Allowance

Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate his Department has made of how many people will claim jobseeker's allowance as a result of no longer being able to claim the employment and support allowance (ESA) assessment rate when applying for ESA after being found fit for work.

Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate his Department has made of savings to the public purse from preventing claimants being paid the employment and support allowance (ESA) assessment rate if they have been found fit for work and then reapply for ESA.

Mr Mark Harper: The information requested is contained within the Autumn Statement 2014: policy costings document which can be accessed via the following weblink – the relevant page is 66:   https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/382330/AS2014_Policy_costings.pdf

Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the proportion of people affected by the under-occupancy penalty who have subsequently moved into a smaller home.

Esther McVey: This information is not available. It is not possible to calculate the proportion of those affected by the removal of the spare room subsidy policy to date due to the dynamic nature of the caseload (i.e. every month there are on-flows as well as off-flows). However a recent DWP ad hoc publication did show that between May and December 2013 around 19,000 of the caseload downsized within the social rented sector over this period. This is likely to be an understatement and it does not include those who have downsized to the private rented sector. This represents around 10% of all those who during this period were no longer subject to a reduction in their housing benefit award due to the policy.

Personal Independence Payment

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2014 to Question 195875, when he expects a comparable administration cost for personal independent payments to be available.

Mr Mark Harper: DLA and PIP are very different benefits as PIP has more assessments done face to face.

Universal Credit

Dr William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what date he has set for full implementation of universal credit across the UK.

Mr Mark Harper: In the WMS (link below) of 13 October 2014 the Secretary of State confirmed plans for the next stage of implementing universal credit to all remaining jobcentres and local authorities as we progress national expansion through 2015-16 and secure delivery of universal credit across Great Britain. http://www.parliament.uk/documents/commons-vote-office/2014-October/13th%20October/17.DWP-welfare-reform.pdf

Energy

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he has taken to insulate his Departmental estate in order to improve energy efficiency; and if he will make a statement.

Steve Webb: DWP has outsourced the provision of its estate until 31st March 2018 under a 20-year contract with its private sector partner Telereal Trillium (TT), leasing back fully serviced accommodation, via a PFI Contract known as PRIME. The buildings occupied by DWP under this PFI arrangement are generally multi-storey offices and roof space is therefore limited, resulting in most significant heat loss being via the walls, which are predominantly windows for good natural light. As part of on-going life cycle replacement projects planned by TT, for windows and to recover roofs, the work is carried out to the current building standard which includes modern insulating requirements. Additionally, during estate rationalisation DWP carefully consider the energy rating of a building as part of the decision process and where possible moves out of poorly insulated buildings.

Carer's Allowance: Banff

Dr Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people in Banff and Buchan constituency are in receipt of carers' allowance.

Mr Mark Harper: In Banff and Buchan Parliamentary constituency in May 2014 there were 770 people in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, excluding cases where the payment has been suspended e.g. if they are in hospital. This is the latest data available, is rounded to the nearest 10 and is published at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dwp-statistics-tabulation-tool

Universal Credit: Scotland

Dr Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the saving to the public purse in Scotland by 2019-20 from the decision not to uprate the universal credit work allowance in 2017-18.

Mr Mark Harper: The information requested is not available.

Universal Credit: Scotland

Dr Eilidh Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many households in Scotland he forecasts will be claiming universal credit in (a) 2017-18, (b) 2018-19 and (c) 2019-20.

Mr Mark Harper: Universal Credit planning assumptions are set out in the Universal Credit at Work publication, published on 22 October 2014.https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/368805/uc-at-work.pdf

Food Banks

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Answer of 20 December 2012 to the hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree, Official Report, column 929W, on food banks, what visits Ministers of his Department have made to foodbanks in order to assess the effects of welfare reforms on foodbank use since December 2012.

Esther McVey: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Jobcentre Plus

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to letters sent by district managers of Jobcentre Plus to hon. Members on 30 September 2014, how many such letters were sent; and what the estimated cost to his Department of sending those letters was.

Mr Mark Harper: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Members: Correspondence

Mr Mike Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will instruct the Head of Payroll Services at Newcastle Employee Service Centre to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Angus dated 3 November 2014 and the email dated 20 November 2014 concerning his constituent Ann Marie Caldwell.

Steve Webb: At our request the Member for Angus’ office has shared the correspondence with us. We have spoken with the Head of Payroll Services at Shared Services Connected Ltd, and are now seeking an urgent case conference with them in order to expedite a response to Mrs Caldwell.

Pilot Schemes

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many pilot schemes his Department has launched since May 2010.

Esther McVey: This information is not centrally collated so would incur a disproportionate cost to answer.

Work Programme

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the value of Work Programme payments claimed fraudulently by providers since June 2011.

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how much his Department has recouped in Work Programme payments claimed fraudulently by providers since June 2011.

Esther McVey: The Department treats any allegation of fraud by its contractors very seriously. Any fraud is completely unacceptable. Where we identify, or are notified of, allegations of provider fraud, these cases are investigated thoroughly by the Department’s professionally trained and experienced investigators to a standard required to support reference to the Police whenever evidence of criminal offences is discovered. Since June 2011, the Department has investigated 37 allegations of fraud or irregularity by Work Programme providers. In only 3 cases has there been evidence of deliberate false representation by provider staff. All these cases were referred to the police and the amounts involved have been recovered in full or are in the process of being recovered.

Social Security Benefits: Disqualification

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people have died since May 2010 while their benefit was withheld as a result of sanction.

Esther McVey: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Occupational Health

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what progress his Department has made on implementing the recommendations of Dame Carol Black's report, Working for a healthier tomorrow, presented to his Department in 2008.

Mr Mark Harper: Following Dame Carol Black’s review ‘Improving health and work: changing lives’, published on 25th November 2008, the recommendations were taken forward including the launching of a series of pilots and programmes to help tackle the costs of working-age ill-health and a National Education Programme for GPs from April 2009. In addition, in 2010 the fit note was also introduced to help GPs provide their patients with better fitness for work advice.Building on the original report, in 2011 the Government asked Dame Carol Black and David Frost CBE to review the sickness absence system across Great Britain to help combat the 130 million days lost to sickness absence every year. Their review ‘Health at work – an independent review of sickness absence’ was published in 2011, with our response published in January 2013. In its response, the Government accepted the recommendation to establish the service now called ‘Fit for Work’ which will launch shortly. Fit for Work will provide an occupational health assessment to employees who have been off sick for four weeks and general health and work advice to GP’s, employers and employees across Great Britain for the first time.

Home Office

Immigration Controls

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many violent incidents have been recorded at border check points in each year since January 2011.

James Brokenshire: The information requested is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Asylum: Finance

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many asylum seekers received financial support in each local authority in England and Wales in (a) 2010 and (b) 2014.

James Brokenshire: Holding answer received on 27 November 2014



Support may be provided under section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 to asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute until their asylum claim is determined. Section 95 support can be provided as both accommodation and subsistence, or accommodation or subsistence only.The following tables show the number of asylum seekers in receipt of Section 95 support in each local authority in England and Wales as at the end of December 2010 and end of September 2014. The numbers of asylum seekers in receipt of section 95 support, broken down by Local Authority, are published on a quarterly basis by the Home Office in Table as_16_q of the Immigration Statistics release .The latest publication is available on the Gov.UK website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/home-office/series/immigration-statistics-quarterly-release. 



Asylum seekers in support of section 95
(Excel SpreadSheet, 31.74 KB)

Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre

Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will take steps to defer removals of any potential witnesses to the alleged assault which took place on 29 November 2014 at Campsfield House IRC so they are able to give evidence to the police.

Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many potential witnesses to the alleged assault which took place on 29 November 2014 at Campsfield House IRC have since been issued with Removal Directions or Removal Orders/Notices.

James Brokenshire: An incident took place at Campsfield House Immigration Removal Centre on Saturday 29 November which resulted in two detainees being subject to control and restraint techniques. The Independent Monitoring Board was made aware of the incident and attended the centre. During the incident no detainees were injured and nobody required hospital treatment, although an officer at the centre sustained minor injuries. As of 3rd December, no complaints of alleged assault have been made.

Ministers' Private Offices

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many departmental officials work in the private office of each of her Department's Ministers.

Karen Bradley: The number of departmental officials working in each Ministerial private office is set out in the table below:   



Officials given in grades.
(Excel SpreadSheet, 17.5 KB)

National Crime Agency: Northern Ireland

Mr Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effect of the National Crime Agency not being fully operational in Northern Ireland on the opportunity for people living in Northern Ireland to be employed in that agency.

Karen Bradley: The National Crime Agency (NCA) has a flexible, UK-wide operational capability, prioritising the deployment of its resources against the highest risks and undertaking targeted operations to cut serious and organised crime affecting our communities. The NCA's People Strategy delivers a flexible response in which the workforce is placed in areas of operational demand. There is nothing to preclude the employment of people living in Northern Ireland. For example, NCA officers based in Northern Ireland work on Civil Recovery and Tax casesrelating to England and Wales in the absence of consent for the NCA to take on full functions in Northern Ireland. All NCA vacancies across the United Kingdom are advertised in the spirit of open and fair competition. The NCA recruit in this fashion to secure the best candidates for these demanding roles

Domestic Violence and Stalking

Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans her Department has to introduce measures to track, manage and routinely supervise perpetrators of domestic violence and serial stalkers in a similar way to sex offenders.

Lynne Featherstone: Convicted stalkers and perpetrators of domestic violence are already captured on the Police National Computer. We are working to make better use of existing databases and improve connectivity and information sharing rather than creating new databases or registers for each offence. Since April 2014, offences of stalking and harassment are being reported separately in Police Recorded Crime figures. This will allow us to develop a more comprehensive picture of the scale of stalking and monitor cases more effectively.We introduced two new offences on 25 November 2012 to strengthen legislation around stalking and extended police search powers to improve investigation of these crimes. In addition, the Home Secretary has established a National Oversight Group to ensure recommendations from HMIC’s Review into domestic abuse are acted upon. This includes work to improve data collection and data sharing on serial abusers.We have no current plans to legislate on this issue. However, the Home Office consultation on strengthening the law on domestic abuse closed on 15 October. We are currently assessing the responses and we will consider all of the issues raised in order to determine next steps to offer the best possible protection for victims.

Asylum

Mr David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when country guidance was last reviewed for each country from which there are asylum claims since 2010.

James Brokenshire: Specific guidance is not produced on every country from which there are asylum claims. It is only produced in respect of the countries which attract most applications. Guidance is provided where necessary on a case by case basis in respect of the other countries.To streamline the process for the provision of country information and policy guidance, the existing country of origin information reports and operational guidance notes are being phased out and replaced by separate thematic documents providing both country information and guidance on the most common categories of claim from the countries which attract the most applications.The dates when the most recent guidance was issued for each of the countries concerned is set out in the table below. Copies of the guidance are all available on the government website at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/country-information-and-guidance   



Country guidance 
(Word Document, 48 KB)

Asylum: Syria

Ms Margaret Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she has taken to make Syrian refugees who have relatives in the UK aware of the options for family reunification.

James Brokenshire: Holding answer received on 09 December 2014



Recognised refugees and those granted Humanitarian Protection in the UK are advised about family reunion provisions as part of the information they receive with the decision on their asylum claim. Details on how to apply are also available on the Home Office website.The UK also operates the Mandate refugee scheme which provides a resettlement route for individual refugees who have been recognised by UNHCR and have close family ties with the UK. The UK is only able to consider resettlement applications from refugees who have been referred to us by UNHCR.

Drugs: Internet

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the contribution of 1 December 2014 by the Minister for Crime Prevention in the First Delegated Legislation Committee, what proportion of people responding to the survey hosted on the FRANK website said they were more likely to take a legal high having seen material on that website.

Lynne Featherstone: Holding answer received on 09 December 2014



On 30 October the Government published its response to the new psychoactive substances review expert panel’s report. We set out new actions across legislation and enforcement as well as prevention, health services and information-sharing. This will enhance the comprehensive approach that the UK Government has already taken to further reduce the threat to the UK posed by new psychoactive substances, which have been associated with paranoia, psychosis, seizures, dependence and fatalities.278 people responded to the survey hosted on the FRANK website. Of the 278 respondents, 195 were the primary target audience of 15-18 year olds for the NPS campaign run over summer 2014. Following their visit to the FRANK Website 22% of 15-18 year olds claimed they were more likely to take so-called ‘legal’ highs in the future, and 34% claimed they were less likely. The survey ran from the 4th of August until the 7th of October.

Drugs: Misuse

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the contribution of 1 December 2014 by the Minister for Crime Prevention in the First Delegated Legislation Committee, how much her Department spent on public awareness campaigns on legal highs aimed at (a) UK festivals, (b) fresher's week and (c) school holidays in the last year; and what estimate she has made of the number of people reached in each period.

Lynne Featherstone: Holding answer received on 09 December 2014



On 30 October the Government published its response to the new psychoactive substances review expert panel’s report. We set out new actions across legislation and enforcement as well as prevention, health services and information-sharing. This will enhance the comprehensive approach that the UK Government has already taken to further reduce the threat to the UK posed by new psychoactive substances, which have been associated with paranoia, psychosis, seizures, dependence and fatalities.The Department has spent £89,455 on public awareness campaigns on NPS (New Psychoactive Substances), or so-called ‘legal’ highs, in the last year. The objective of the campaign activity was to deter "contemplators" and "dabblers" from trying or taking NPS by: • Raising awareness of the risks, consequences and harms of NPS use amongst those contemplating using these drugs• Increase contemplation of the risks and dangers of NPS• Signposting FRANK as a source of information about NPSThe table below gives a breakdown of the timing, target audience and percentage of target audience reached:   



Target audience
(Word Document, 29 KB)

Armed Forces: Libya

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 2 December 2014 to Question 216197, what personal information would be divulged by providing details about the number of Libyan service personnel who have been in receipt of military training in the UK that are being investigated for serious crimes and have also claimed political asylum in the UK.

James Brokenshire: Holding answer received on 09 December 2014



Access to personal information is governed by the Data Protection Act. Information relating to whether an individual has claimed asylum is considered to be sensitive personal information, and as such, requires special protection. In this case the number of individuals who fall within the scope of the request is so low that it would be reasonable to conclude that they could be identified, therefore precluding the provision of information on whether any of them has claimed asylum.

Personnel Management

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people her Department employs in human resources; how many of these are paid more than (a) £40,000, (b) £50,000, (c) £75,000 and (d) £100,000; how much was spent on outside human resources or recruitment consultants last year; and what her Department's total spend on human resources was last year.

Karen Bradley: Holding answer received on 09 December 2014



The latest information the Department holds relating to the number and associated costs of staff employed in human resources activities are for the six month period ending 30th September 2014 (1st April 2014 to 30th September 2014). The Department directly employs 210 staff (197.93 Full Time Equivalent) on Civil Service Human Resources activities. a) 38 staff are paid above £40,000;b) 60 are paid above £50,000;c) 5 are paid above £75,000; andd) Fewer than 5 are paid above £100,000.A further 157.25 (FTE) civil servants in other Departments provided Shared and Expert Services (including Complex Casework, Employee Policies, Learning, Organisation Development & Design, and recruitment activities) (from 1st October 2014 74.48 (FTE) moved to Steria Shared Services Connected Ltd).Together these staff provide HR services for a Home Office population of 32,004 (FTE). The total cost of these HR services for the six month period was £9.98 million. It is not possible to aggregate the previous two quarters to make a whole year figure, as there have been changes to what is being counted between the quarterly and half yearly figures.It has not been possible to provide information on the following:a) The cost of recruitment consultancy is included in the above overall consultancy cost figures associated with the HR function and the recruitment element cannot be disaggregated;b) Department's total spend on human resources for the last financial year. Over the last 18 months the Home Office has undergone significant transformation: UKBA and HMPO staff moved into core Home Office; Immigration Enforcement and United Kingdom Visas and Immigration were formed; and back office enabling services have been streamlined. The last annual survey related to the period 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 and was succeeded by 3 quarterly surveys. New biannual surveys now take place in line with midyear and end of year Departmental reporting responsibilities.

Legal Costs

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much her Department spent on (a) external legal advice and counsel and (b) internal legal services in each of the last four years.

Karen Bradley: The Home Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Police: Vehicles

Mr Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, on how many occasions police vehicles have been used as ambulances in (a) London and (b) England and Wales in each year since 2010.

Mike Penning: The Home Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Northern Ireland Office

Security

Mr Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of security co-operation between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Mrs Theresa Villiers: Our co-operation with the Irish Government on security matters remains strong. Frances Fitzgerald, the Irish Justice and Equality Minister, has confirmed her commitment to continuing cross border co-operation to tackle the threat posed by terrorism. I also commend the outstanding work of the police on both sides of the border, whose recent successes in joint operations are testament to the strength of their working relationship.

Voluntary Organisations

David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment her Department has made of the role played by the voluntary sector in dealing with the legacy of the past.

Dr Andrew Murrison: Voluntary sector organisations provide invaluable support for those whose lives have been changed forever as a result of Northern Ireland’s troubled past.I pay tribute to their work, which I know from my conversations with victims and their families is deeply appreciated by many in Northern Ireland and beyond.

Unemployment: Young People

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what steps she is taking to tackle youth unemployment in Northern Ireland.

Dr Andrew Murrison: I refer the hon Gentleman to the answer I gave earlier today to the hon Member for Glasgow North.

Department of Health

NHS: Finance

Frank Dobson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether the chief executive of NHS England is permitted under his contract to publicly welcome financial commitments to the NHS made by the Shadow Secretary of State for Health.

Jane Ellison: The contract of employment for the Chief Executive of NHS England is held between NHS England and the Chief Executive. The Department of Health does not comment on the terms of individual contracts held between NHS England and its employees.

Sickle Cell Diseases

Mr Pat McFadden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much the NHS spends on sickle cell anaemia; and what proportion this is of the total NHS budget.

Mr Pat McFadden: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate he has made of the annual cost to the NHS of treating sickle cell anaemia.

Jane Ellison: An error has been identified in the written answer given on 08 December 2014.The correct answer should have been:

There are an estimated 250,000 people with the sickle cell trait anaemia in the United Kingdom. The Department has made no estimation of the annual cost of treating sickle cell anaemia in the National Health Service nor does it hold information on the total NHS spend on sickle cell anaemia.   The Department does hold estimated costs for admitted patient care episodes as reported by Healthcare Resource Groups. In 2013-14 the total estimated figure for sickle anaemia was £23.8 million; in 2012-13 it was £21.9 million. This figure does not include other costs such as primary and social care.

Jane Ellison: There are an estimated 250,000 people with the sickle cell trait anaemia in the United Kingdom. The Department has made no estimation of the annual cost of treating sickle cell anaemia in the National Health Service nor does it hold information on the total NHS spend on sickle cell anaemia.   The Department does hold estimated costs for admitted patient care episodes as reported by Healthcare Resource Groups. In 2013-14 the total estimated figure for sickle anaemia was £23.8 million; in 2012-13 it was £21.9 million. This figure does not include other costs such as primary and social care.

Social Workers: Training

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the reduction in the daily placement fee for third-sector organisations on the number and quality of placements available for trainee social workers.

Norman Lamb: We are currently reviewing the changes to the daily placement fee and the other elements of the education support grant on placement providers and practice educators for 2014 academic year with the (external) social work education funding advisory group. This will affect decisions on the level of the daily placement fee in the 2015 academic year, which we make when programme budgets are finalised.

Social Workers: Training

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate his Department has made of the number of social workers who will be trained through (a) undergraduate and (b) postgraduate routes to qualification in (i) 2015-16 and (ii) 2016-17.

Norman Lamb: Universities told the Department last year that planned student intake for social work qualifying courses in the 2015-16 academic year are 3,375 undergraduates and 2,081 postgraduates. This data has not been validated.   Updated data for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 academic year will be available early next year.

Paramedical Staff

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent estimate he has made of the average cost to the NHS of employing a paramedic in the last year for which figures are available; and what forecast he has made of the equivalent cost in each year from 2013-14 to 2016-17.

Dr Daniel Poulter: In 2013-14, the estimated average paybill per full time equivalent (FTE) for qualified ambulance staff in England was around £46,000. This includes earnings plus the costs of employer pension and national insurance contributions.[1]   Significant changes in the average paybill per FTE are not expected over that period in 2016-17.   However, we do not have reliable future forecasts of exact costs for the next three years, as it depends on factors such as recruitment, retirement and fluctuations in non-basic earnings such as overtime.   [1]Source: Department of Health’s Headline HCHS Paybill Metrics which are primarily based on earnings data published by the Health and Social Care Information Centre, supplemented by employer pension and national insurance contributions estimates informed by unpublished and unvalidated data from the Electronic Staff Record Data Warehouse.

Clinical Commissioning Groups

Dr Phillip Lee: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of allowing clinical commissioning groups to access their spending surplus in order to overcome overspending in future years.

Dr Phillip Lee: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to improve the fairness of funding allocations between clinical commissioning groups in England.

Dr Phillip Lee: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much funding per capita NHS England has allocated to each clinical commissioning group in East Berkshire for 2014-15.

Dr Daniel Poulter: NHS England has responsibility for clinical commissioning group (CCG) allocations and, as a result of Government protecting the overall health budget for NHS England, NHS England announced in December 2013 that every CCG would receive a funding increase in 2014-15 and 2015-16 at least matching inflation (based on inflation projections at the time of the announcement).   The most under-funded areas, and those with the most fast-growing populations, will receive more. NHS England is spending £500 million over 2014-15 and 2015-16 to bring under-target CCGs up towards their target allocations.   The table below summarises the allocation per head for 2014-15 and the growth on prior year for each of the CCGs in East Berkshire.   CCG2014-152014-15Allocation per head (£)Growth on prior year (%)NHS Bracknell and Ascot CCG9693.92NHS Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead CCG9513.80NHS Slough CCG1,0294.12   The NHS England Board will meet on 17 December to decide how to allocate the £1.98 billion additional funding for frontline services announced in the Autumn Statement.   In line with HM Treasury requirements, The Department sets NHS England’s annual expenditure limits to allow for a controlled access to historic surplus across the whole health system. Access to historic surplus for a specific area has to be balanced against these overall requirements of the health system to deliver within the agreed financial envelope. The use of prior year surplus is only ever available on a non-recurrent basis and the use of such surpluses is controlled by the review of a business case for each application allowing prioritisation to deliver value for money for the taxpayer, and patient.

Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what requirements his Department placed on the Dudley Group of Hospitals to make savings on its budget in the last four years.

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what budget was allocated by his Department to the Dudley Group of Hospitals in each of the last four years.

Dr Daniel Poulter: Foundation trusts do not receive budgets directly from the Department.

Brain Cancer

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what progress his Department has made on the facilities proposed for the Christie Hospital in Manchester and at UCLH to offer treatment for atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour with proton beam therapy.

Jane Ellison: NHS England is currently planning to deliver a national Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) service in the United Kingdom in 2018. Until then, it continues to fund all clinically appropriate patients on the Proton Overseas Programme. Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumours are not currently included in the list of clinical indications for referral to PBT. However, the list of clinical indications for the new UK service is still in development.

Brain Cancer

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he expects that funding for a research fellow post to research atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour for proton beam therapy will be confirmed; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Ellison: NHS England is reviewing current international evidence and recent emerging findings to clarify future commissioning intentions. The relevant specialist clinicians within the Children’s and Cancer Leukaemia Group are assessing what data, including the possibility of a national audit of retrospective data, are needed. Following this, NHS England will consider the possibility of a research fellowship post.

Methadone

Mr David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 20 November 2014 to Question 214086, how many members of the expert group with responsibility for updating the UK guidelines for the Clinical Management of Drugs Misuse and Dependence have a financial interest in the prescribing of methadone.

Jane Ellison: The expert group updating the UK guidelines for the clinical management of drug misuse and dependence consists of a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including practising clinicians, pharmacists, service users, carers, psychologists, commissioners and academics. Each is required to complete a declaration of interests and keep this updated.   Public Health England, which provides the secretariat for the group, has reviewed these declarations and on the basis of the information provided believes that no expert group members have a financial interest in the prescribing of specific medicines for the treatment of dependence.   Clinicians’ declarations will be published alongside the updated clinical guidelines by early 2016.

Nurses: EU Nationals

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many nurses from other EU countries were employed by the NHS on 1 September (a) 2014, (b) 2013 and (c) 2012.

Dr Daniel Poulter: There are more than 1,300 nurses, midwives and health visitors working in the National Health Service than in May 2010.The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) publishes provisional monthly workforce statistics on National Health Services in hospitals and community health services in England. The latest month for which workforce statistics are available is August 2014. Data for September 2014 will be published on 17 December.   The number of full-time equivalent qualified nursing, midwifery and health visiting staff from European Union (EU) countries excluding Britain employed by the NHS in England is shown in the following table.   full-time equivalent August 2014September 2013September 2012All known EU nationalities excluding British14,78911,3569,528  Source: Health and Social Care Information Centre, NHS Hospital & Community Health Service (HCHS) provisional monthly workforce statistics   Notes: As nationality is self-reported the value entered by an individual may reflect their culturalheritage rather than their country of birth. Nationality data is incomplete as many people choosenot to specify their nationality

Heart Diseases

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent steps his Department has taken to reduce waiting times for treatment for chronic heart disease.

Jane Ellison: Patients in England have a right to start consultant-led treatment within a maximum of 18 weeks from referral for non-urgent conditions.   Whilst these waiting times are low and stable, some patients have not been starting their treatment as quickly as we would like. As a result, £250 million of additional funding has been provided to fund additional elective care treatments in 2014-15. This has not been directed towards any specific disease group but has been used by the National Health Service to prioritise and treat those patients waiting the longest.

Anticoagulants

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will issue guidance to NHS England on how clinical commissioning groups should assess local need for anti-coagulation services.

Jane Ellison: In 2013, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published an anticoagulation therapy services commissioning guide. This resource supports commissioners in reviewing how anticoagulation therapy is currently initiated, provided, monitored and reviewed in their local area with particular consideration to the introduction of the novel oral anticoagulants.   The guide can be found at:   http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cmg49

Depressive Illnesses

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 26 February 2014 to Question 187790, how many mindfulness interventions were prescribed under Improving Access to Psychological Therapies in each month since July 2014.

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 29 January 2013 to Question 139508, what assessment of the variation and uptake of mindfulness-based interventions for repeat episode depression his Department has made using the Innovation Scoreboard.

Norman Lamb: No assessment has been made of the variation and uptake of mindfulness based interventions for repeat episode depression using the Innovation Scorecard.   We do not centrally hold information on the number of mindfulness interventions that were prescribed through the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme in each month since July 2014.   The table below shows the number of open referrals with an attended treatment appointment, and the number of open referrals with an attended treatment appointment listing mindfulness as one of the therapy types for July and August 2014.   MonthCount of open referrals in the period with an attended treatment appointment within the referral Count of open referrals in the period with an attended treatment appointment listing mindfulness as one of the therapy types July 2014253,213 578August 2014244,861 814 Source: Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Dataset The table below shows the number of attended treatment appointments listing mindfulness as one of the therapy types for July and August 2014.   MonthCount of attended treatment appointments in the period.Count of attended treatment appointments in the period listing mindfulness as one the therapy types. July 2014304,997 1,002 August 2014253,427 747  Source: Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Dataset

Bladder Cancer: Drugs

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department has taken to secure a supply of the cancer drug Immunocyst to be used in bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) cancer treatment.

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the extent of availability of the cancer drug Immunocyst used in bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) cancer treatment.

George Freeman: The supplier of ImmuCyst, Alliance Pharmaceuticals, has experienced manufacturing problems which have affected its supply on a worldwide basis. The product has been unavailable since summer 2012. However the problems are in the process of being resolved and it is expected to be available in 2015.   The Department and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency are working closely with Alliance Pharmaceuticals and the supplier of alternative bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) bladder instillations to help ensure that supplies are available for United Kingdom patients.

Mental Health Services: Children

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how much was spent on the treatment of mental illness in children and young people in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14.

Norman Lamb: Children and young people with mental health problems are provided with treatment by a wide range of services and organisations and in a variety of settings. The figures below show what is spent on child and adolescent mental health services but are not representative of all spending on treating mental health problems in children and young people. The figures outline the aggregated primary care trust (PCT) spend on Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in England since 2010. The figures outline what PCTs have spent but do not indicate the amount of funding provided by the Department of Health. The figures in the table have been rounded to the nearest £million.   2011-122012-132013-14713704Not yet available   However, the figures do not include: - spend by local authorities, including children’s services and schools’ expenditure on early intervention or emotional resilience programmes; - £54 million invested by the Department over the four years from 2011-12 to 2014-15 in the Children and Young People’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme; and - The £150 million investment over the next five years for NHS England in child and adolescent mental health services including services for the treatment of eating disorders, announced in the Autumn Statement.

Dialysis Machines

Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 25 November 2014 to Question 215404, which organisations and individuals were consulted by NHS England when it was developing its proposal to move commissioning of dialysis to clinical commissioning groups; and what the contents were of the submissions received in response to that consultation.

Jane Ellison: NHS England put its proposals for transferring commissioning responsibility for renal dialysis services and morbid obesity surgery services from NHS England to clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to the Prescribed Specialised Services Advisory Group in September 2014. These proposals were developed in partnership with the NHS Commissioning Assembly Task and Finish Group on Specialised Service commissioning. The Task and Finish Group is made of clinical commissioners from around the country.   The Task and Finish group was asked by NHS England to advise on development of proposals for enhancing specialised service commissioning in 2015-16, specifically proposals that would enable improved pathway integrity. NHS England presented the proposed direction of travel for specialised commissioning in 2015-16 to the chairs of Clinical Reference Groups earlier in the year.   NHS England has advised that they are in dialogue with key stakeholders about both the opportunities and challenges of transferring commissioning responsibility for renal services from NHS England to CCGs.

Mental Health Services: Children

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to improve access and reduce waiting times for children's mental health services.

Norman Lamb: Achieving Better Access to Mental Health Services by 2020 also announces the introduction of standard waiting times for Early Intervention in Psychosis services which will be of benefit to young people, and for the adult Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme. It makes it clear that the waiting time standards announced are a first step. There will also be £30 million increased investment in liaison psychiatry to help people including young people presenting in accident and emergency departments with mental health problems. The vision is for comprehensive standards to be developed over the coming years for all ages, including for children and young people. Where adult IAPT services are commissioned to provide a service to 16 and 17 year olds, the new waiting time standard will apply.   The Department and NHS England will work together with mental health system partners to set out how and when access and further waiting time standards could be introduced, subject to resourcing decisions following the next Spending Review.   We have invested £54 million into the Children and Young people’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies programme (CYP IAPT) over 2011-15/16, which is designed to improve access to evidence-based psychological therapies and collaboration with children, young people and families. The programme works with 82 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) partnerships and currently covers 60% of the 0-19 population. The Government’s aim is that all of England will be involved by 2018 reflected in the Mandate with NHS England.   The Children and Young People’s Mental Health and Well-Being Taskforce is considering ways to improve access for children and young people and promote collaborative commissioning of services to reflect the needs of children and young people.   On 2 December, the Deputy Prime Minister announced recurrent funding for the next 5 years of £30 million per year to improve services for young people with mental health problems. This investment places a particular emphasis on eating disorders and self-harm and it will deliver swifter access to evidence-based community treatment for children and young people with eating disorders.   In response to NHS England’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Tier 4 Report, published in July, NHS England are using £7 million to provide 50 extra CAMHS specialised Tier 4 beds for young patients in the areas with the least provision. 36 of the 50 planned new beds have opened - 27 in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw, five in East Anglia and four in Somerset. NHS England continues to seek to build capacity in the areas with least provision.

Mental Health Services: Children

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, on how many occasions mental health professionals in Devon have been unable to find suitable accommodation for children suffering a crisis in each of the last five years.

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, on how many occasions children with mental health problems have been detained in police custody or in prison in Devon because of a lack of appropriate accommodation in each of the last five years.

Norman Lamb: The information requested is not available. Such information as is available is as follows.   We are advised that in the area served by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, in 2013-14 30 people aged under 18 were taken to a police station as a place of safety, following a detention made under section 136 of the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983.   The MHA does not, under any circumstances, allow for the use of prison for the detention of people of any age.   We are also advised that the Northern Eastern and Western Devon Clinical Commissioning Group is currently looking at the possibility of commissioning an existing unit within its area as a Place of Safety, to ensure that the risk of delays between Tier Three and Tier Four services is reduced as much as possible. Discussions with NHS England and Plymouth Community Healthcare about this are ongoing.   Devon and Cornwall have now signed their local crisis care declaration, demonstrating a commitment to deliver improved outcomes for people in crisis at a local level. The Crisis Care Concordat includes a standard that no child under the age of 18 should be place in a police cell as a result of experiencing a mental health crisis.

NHS: Finance

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what proportion of hospitals trusts in England had a budget deficit in each of the last four years.

Dr Daniel Poulter: The proportion of National Health Service provider trusts in deficit for each of the last four years can be found in the table below:2010-112011-122012-132013-14Total Providers in Deficit13312765Total Providers in Surplus237223225184Total Providers250254251249 Proportion of Providers in Deficit5.2%12.2%10.8%26.1%   Notes:  1. The number of providers includes NHS trusts and foundation trusts. 2. The numbers also reflect those NHS trusts that became foundations trusts during the year as separate organisations from the new foundation trust.

Mental Health Services: Children

Mr Ben Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, who is responsible for commissioning secure accommodation for children with mental health illness in England; and how many such secure places have been provided in each of the last five years.

Norman Lamb: We are unable to provide information on bed numbers that predate NHS England.   Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Tier 4 (CAMHS Tier 4) are a specialised service commissioned by NHS England since April 2013. This is the first time that all elements of CAMHS inpatient services have been commissioned nationally.   As at April 2013 NHS England commissioned 1,343 CAMHS beds which increased to 1,386 in April 2014. Since the summer, they have commissioned additional general CAMHS and intensive care beds where there was identified need. These beds include 109 Low Secure beds and 100 Medium Secure beds.   Overall, there has been an increase in the number of NHS-funded CAMHS Tier 4 beds. The number has increased from 844 in 1999 to 1,128 in 2006 and from 1,264 in January 2014 to 1,386 in April 2014.

Deficiency Diseases

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many cases of (a) rickets and (b) scurvy there were in each year since 2010.

Jane Ellison: The following table shows a total count of finished admission episodes with a primary diagnosis of rickets and scurvy in England since 2010.Finished Admission EpisodesYearScurvyRickets2009-106662010-118662011-128742012-131865 Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre   Note: This is not a count of patients as a person may be admitted more than once in a financial year.

Plastic Surgery

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what the three most common cosmetic surgery operations were in each of the last five years.

Jane Ellison: This data is not held. Cosmetic surgery is not usually available through the National Health Service. Generally, there must be a major physical or psychological reason for surgery.

Health Services: Greater London

Mr Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many members of senior management of each London clinical commissioning group and NHS trust have resigned in each month since their creation.

Dr Daniel Poulter: The information is not available in the format requested.

Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Independent Inquiry

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether he plans to issue an oral or written statement on the Government's progress on implementing proposals set out in Hard Truths: the journey to putting patients first.

Dr Daniel Poulter: Since the publication of Hard Truths: The Journey to Putting Patients First, the Government has taken huge strides to boost safety, transparency, compassion and accountability in the National Health Service. We have legislated to make the Care Quality Commission independent, and a new rigorous inspection regime for hospitals, primary care and adult social care has been introduced, resulting in a clear rating on the quality of care. We have also introduced a robust special measures regime for struggling hospitals, so that poor care is both identified and rectified. In addition, we have legislated to place a new duty of candour on provider organisations and to put in place a fit and proper person requirement for directors of NHS bodies, as well as to create a new offence of wilful neglect and ill treatment. This Government has also placed an unprecedented amount of data on the MyNHS website, so that the public can see how their local services perform.   We will be publishing an update and summary of this progress in the New Year as part of the Government response to Freedom to Speak Out, the independent review being led by Sir Robert Francis, QC.

Mental Illness

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 5 December 2014 to Question 216876, what steps the Government is taking to improve the take-up of substance misuse services by mental health patients who have drug and alcohol dependencies.

Norman Lamb: The Health and Social Care Act 2012 established Health and Wellbeing Boards as the statutory mechanism for bringing local systems together to understand and address local need through the joint strategic needs assessment, and joint health and wellbeing strategies.   The Government’s Mental Health Implementation Framework – No Health without Mental Health, published in July 2012, highlighted the need to bring together local partnerships to improve mental health and enhance life chances and improve the physical health and wellbeing of people with mental health problems.   Public Health England is committed to facilitating this approach through the development of updated guidance as part of the Mental Health Crisis Concordat action plan and has convened the national Mental Health Intelligence Network expert reference group (ERG) on Co-existing Substance Misuse and Mental Health Issues, which first met in March. The ERG has proposed to update the existing dual diagnosis guidance and oversee its implementation as a priority. This guidance is due for publication in September 2015.

NHS: Finance

Mr David Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Autumn Statement 2014, (a) over what timescale, (b) through what mechanism and (c) in what form the £1.2 billion allocated for GP services in that Statement be provided to clinical commissioning groups and primary care commissioned services.

Dr Daniel Poulter: The additional funding announced by the Chancellor in the Autumn Statement will enable the National Health Service to continue to meet rapidly rising demand in the short term while making the investments in new services and facilities to transform care for patients and ensure that the NHS remains sustainable in the longer term.   As part of the additional funding announced, £1 billion will be invested in England over the next four years (2015-16 to 2018-19) in modern infrastructure, technology and facilities in primary and community care settings. NHS England will set out in due course their proposals for how this funding will be used.

Neurology

Catherine McKinnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what progress his Department has made in implementing the recommendations of the Public Accounts Committe report, Services for people with neurological conditions, published on 16 March 2012; and if he will make a statement.

Norman Lamb: In July 2014, the Treasury published Progress report on the implementation of Government accepted recommendations of the Committee of Public Accounts (PAC) - Sessions 2010­-12 and 2012-13. It sets out progress against the four recommendations made by the PAC in its report Services for people with neurological conditions, with which the Department agreed. Two of the recommendations concerned the development of a neurological conditions dataset (recommendation two) and the neurological conditions quality standard (recommendation six) and they are now shown as being fully implemented.   The changes introduced by the Health and Social Care Act 2012, means that the delivery of recommendations three and five, which concern the means to address certain service improvements and changes to the clinical commissioning group outcome indicator set, are no longer within the Department’s remit. The progress report sets out actions taken relevant to these areas and can be found at the following link:   www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/329001/9781474108553_WEB.PDF.

Prescription Drugs

Dr Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of (a) the extent of additional work required from a GP or clinician when prescribing an off-label or unlicensed indication of a drug, (b) the effect of such prescribing on GPs' and clinicians' working hours and (c) whether there is sufficient human resource within the NHS to allow such prescribing to take place routinely.

George Freeman: In making prescribing decisions, a clinician should first and foremost consider a patient’s individual clinical needs and choose the medicine best fitted to meet those needs, whether the medicine is licensed, off-label or unlicensed. Prescribing off-label is part and parcel of normal clinical practice and is therefore being delivered within National Health Service resources now.

Carers: Health

Iain McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps the Government is taking to support carers' wellbeing and mental health.

Norman Lamb: Carers are central to our reform of care and support and there are significant improvements in the Care Act for carers. The Care Act extends carers rights to an assessment, which is based on the appearance of a need for support and consideration of the impact of caring on the carer and the outcomes they wish to achieve. For the first time, local authorities have a duty to meet carers’ eligible needs for support based on an eligibility framework. The Act creates a well-being principle to underpin the care and support system. This means that the well-being and outcomes that matter to people will be at the heart of every decision that is made – this principle applies equally to carers. Supporting carers to remain mentally and physically well is one of four key priorities of the coalition Government’s 2010 national carers’ strategy. We have set out our commitments to carers from 2014 – 2016 in the recently updated National Carers Strategy: Second Action Plan which also outlines the main achievements in recognising and supporting carers. The plan retains the four priorities of the 2010 strategy. We are investing £400 million between 2011 to 2015, to improve National Health Service support for carers and to enable them to take a break from their caring responsibilities. The carers’ breaks funding of £130 million for 2015-16 will be in the Better Care Fund.   Support for carers is integral to the work NHS England is leading to improve the quality of life of people with long term conditions. Its action plan NHS England: Commitment to Carers contains eight priorities and 37 commitments that will help the NHS to deliver the care and support carers have said they need. It includes a specific commitment to “promote and work towards parity of esteem for carers so that mental health and wellbeing is considered and supported alongside physical health needs”.

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Warships: Exports

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many export licences his Department has issued for the supply of military equipment for incorporation into the Vladivostok Mistral-class amphibious assault ship.

Matthew Hancock: Eleven licences were granted for the supply of military equipment for incorporation into a Mistral-class amphibious assault ship. The goods licences were granted for as follows: components for military communications equipment, military communications equipment, software for military communications equipment, technology for military communications equipment, components for military auxiliary/support vessels, technology for military auxiliary/support vessels, components for military guidance/navigation equipment, equipment for the use of military guidance/navigation equipment, components for combat naval vessels, components for military radars, general naval vessel components.   It is not clear whether the components were for the Vladivostok, or the second Mistral-class amphibious assault ship being built in France on behalf of the Russian Navy. Granting of licenses has been suspended.

Dairy Products: China

Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what support his Department gives to dairy exporters who wish to enter the Chinese market; and if he will make a statement.

Matthew Hancock: UK dairy exporters who wish to enter the Chinese market have full access to the range of services offered by UK Trade and Investment, the Government department that helps UK based companies succeed globally. These services include advice from experts, help with introductions to key contacts in China and support for market visits and exhibitions.

Foreign Investment in UK: Greater London

Ms Diane Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what estimate his Department has made of the level of overseas investment in small and medium-sized businesses based in London; and if he will make a statement.

Matthew Hancock: According to UK Trade & Investment’s Annual Inward Investment Report it is estimated that a total of 656 inward investment projects were recorded in London during 2013/14 Financial Year. These projects are estimated to have brought with them over 28,000 new or safeguarded jobs. The Department does not have estimates of the level of overseas investments into small and medium-sized businesses in London.

Tobacco: EU Law

Mr Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what assessment he has made of the effect of the revised EU Tobacco Products Directive on the JTI Gallaher factory.

George Freeman: Over regulation, and in particular the new tobacco products directive, have been blamed for the closure of the JTI factory in Ballymena. I believe this is part of a wider picture.   The demand for cigarettes is falling. Smoking rates have continued to decline in the UK. In 1974 almost half of the UK population smoked. Rates had fallen to 18.7% last year. Around 68% of current smokers also want to quit and are increasingly aware of the health harms that smoking causes. The tobacco industry has recognised this declining market and consumer health concerns and are diversifying into electronic cigarettes and ‘heat not burn’ technology.   The directive itself is aimed at harmonising European rules for the marketing of tobacco products to ensure that barriers to trade across the union are minimised for those continuing to trade in this commodity. These new rules include specific measures aimed at protecting trade, with an enhanced track and trace system to be implemented to protect the revenue of legitimate businesses. It is true, and right, that in deciding these trade rules a high level of health protection was sought for all citizens across the EU and the European Commission’s impact assessment accepts that there is likely to be a further reduction in tobacco consumption of 2% as a result of the directive.   However, this is just part of the picture on job losses. Job losses have resulted, in greater measure from the actions of the industry itself, for example from the mechanisation and streamlining of tobacco production than from tobacco control measures implemented by this Government.   The Department of Health is currently finalising proposals to transpose the revised Tobacco Products Directive into UK law, and will consult on these proposals in early 2015. The Department will consider those proposals in due course.

Postal Services

Dr William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps he plans to take to protect the Universal Service Obligation of delivery of mail to every address in the UK.

Jo Swinson: The minimum requirements of the universal postal service – which include the 6 day a week letters service at a uniform price to urban and rural addresses up and down the country – are enshrined and protected in law. Only Parliament can change the minimum requirements of the universal postal service.   Under the Postal Services Act 2011, Parliament has ensured that protection of the universal service is at the very heart of the regulatory regime by giving Ofcom, as an independent regulator, a primary duty to secure the provision of the universal service throughout the UK. Ofcom has the regulatory powers and tools it needs to intervene in the market if the universal service is ever at risk.   Ofcom has recently responded to Royal Mail’s concerns over the potential threat of competition to provision of the universal service. Having effectively reviewed and assessed all the evidence on competition in the postal market, including the business plans of Royal Mail and Whistl, it has concluded that the universal postal service is not under any current threat from the effects of competition. They will however continue to track Royal Mail’s performance and any new developments in the market. And as part of an ongoing wider review, they will also be looking at other factors that may affect Royal Mail’s ability to deliver the universal service in the future. More information about Ofcom’s decision can be found on its website (http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/post/securing-universal-postal-service).

New Businesses: Milton Keynes

Iain Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many businesses have been started in Milton Keynes in the last 12 months.

Matthew Hancock: This Government is committed to making Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a business. As part of our long term economic plan, we have thrown our weight behind small businesses as they grow our economy, create jobs for others and help communities prosper. In Milton Keynes an estimated 2,300 business have been started between November 2013 and October 2014, according to BankSearch data.

Postgraduate Education

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what equality impact assessment in relation to gender his Department carried out on the proposal to limit the new postgraduate student loan finance to students under 30.

Greg Clark: Holding answer received on 09 December 2014



A preliminary equality impact assessment undertaken by the Department suggests there is little difference between the proportions of men and women undertaking postgraduate taught courses under 30 and those who are older, or in their propensity to study part-time. We will gather further evidence as part of the consultation before finalising the terms of the postgraduate taught loan.

Postgraduate Education

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what proportion of part-time UK postgraduate students of each gender were (a) under 30, (b) between 30 and 40 and (c) over 40 years of age on entry in each of the last three years.

Greg Clark: Holding answer received on 09 December 2014



The Higher Education Statistics Agency collects and publishes data on entrants at UK Higher Education Institutions. The proportion of entrants to part-time taught postgraduate qualifications by gender and age in the last three academic years is provided in the table.   Statistics on entrants at UK Higher Education Institutions in the academic year 2013/14 will become available from the Higher Education Statistics Agency in January 2015.   Proportion of UK Domiciled entrants to part-time (1) Postgraduate Taught Qualifications (2) by Age and Gender UK Higher Education Institutions Academic Years 2010/11 to 2012/13   Academic Year 2012/13  Under 30Between 30-40Over 40TotalFemale61%54%60%59%Male39%46%40%41%Total100%100%100%100%   Academic Year 2011/12  Under 30Between 30-40Over 40TotalFemale61%54%60%58%Male39%46%40%42%Total100%100%100%100%   Academic Year 2010/11  Under 30Between 30-40Over 40TotalFemale62%55%63%60%Male38%45%37%40%Total100%100%100%100%   Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency Notes: Percentages have been rounded, therefore the sum of components may not add up to the total. 1. Domicile refers to the student’s postcode or permanent address prior to entering their course 2. Entrants refers to those in their first year of study 3. Age of student as of 31st August

Pay

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many and what proportion of (a) his Department's staff and (b) staff working for companies contracted by his Department are paid less than the Living Wage.

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, how many and what proportion of (a) his Department's staff and (b) staff working for companies contracted by his Department who are paid less than the Living Wage are (i) women and (ii) men.

Jo Swinson: There are no direct Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) employees paid less than the living wage, either nationally or in London.   We do not hold details centrally of all the staff working for companies contracted by the Department.   BIS has no plans to require their contractors to pay the Living Wage. We would encourage them to do so if it was affordable but this must be a decision for the contractors themselves. On the 1st April 2014 the Secretary of State increased the wages of the lowest paid contractors to £7.85.

Ministry of Defence

Libya

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will initiate a formal review of the events which led to the recent suspension of UK training of Libyan troops.

Dr Julian Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to establish a full independent inquiry into the circumstances behind the recent alleged sexual assaults and an alleged rape in Cambridge, including a series of attacks on 17 and 26 October.

Mr Mark Francois: Holding answer received on 17 November 2014



I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 4 December 2014 to Question 213262.http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-questions-answers/?page=1&max=20&questiontype=AllQuestions&house=commons%2clords&uin=213262

Portsmouth Dockyard

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the power supply improvements and additional investment needed to prepare HM Naval Base Portsmouth to support two Queen Elizabeth class carriers; what options are under consideration; and what estimate he has made of the investment required in HM Naval Base Portsmouth as a result of such changes.

Mr Philip Dunne: Holding answer received on 09 December 2014



I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 12 November 2013, (Official Report, column 562W) to the hon. Member for Portsmouth South (Mike Hancock).The Ministry of Defence continues to prepare Portsmouth for the arrival of the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, and an investment of more than £120 million over the next six years will be made in new infrastructure, including the installation of new power supplies, to ensure that the carriers can be properly maintained and supported.I will not disclose further detail on the options being considered as that would prejudice the commercial interests of the Department and its suppliers.



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Army: Recruitment

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the regular Army trained strength requirement is for each year from 2014-15 to 2020-21.

Anna Soubry: The Ministry of Defence has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Arms Trade: Israel

Mr Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with other EU member states on export licences granted to Israel.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Secretary of State for Defence has not held any discussions with other EU member states on export licences granted to Israel.

Armed Forces: Training

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what training is provided to personnel in the (a) Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force on the provisions of (i) the Geneva Conventions and (ii) UN Security Resolution 1325.

Mr Mark Francois: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) worked closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development in the production of the UK National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security. This Plan, released in June 2014 articulates how UNSCR 1325 fits into operational planning and training, and offers a coherent and resource effective plan of action.The themes of UNSCR 1325 are covered by various aspects of mandatory military training and policy, including the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. This training is vital to assisting our troops' ability to engage with and work alongside local communities in which they are deployed. It is MOD policy that specific issues relating to Prevention of Sexual Violence, in a given theatre of operations, are covered in mission-specific operational law training, prior to deployment.The UK is required under Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Convention (1977) to ensure that the LOAC, which includes the Geneva Conventions, is disseminated widely and included in training programmes for the armed forces. All personnel deploying on operations receive individual or collective pre-deployment training, which includes cultural orientation and refresher training on the LOAC, including the Geneva Conventions. Service-specific training includes: Royal Navy All Royal Navy (RN) and Royal Marines (RM) are expected to comply with the UK Manual on the LOAC which contains reference to sexual mistreatment. In addition, Phase 1 RN Ratings are given a LOAC　training package and the RN Military Training Unit at HMS RALEIGH delivers a Rule of Engagement module which is associated with the Geneva Convention and Internal Humanitarian Law (IHL).　Pre-Deployment training for RN/RM personnel includes briefings on how individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a captive environment as well as Human Rights and the LOAC refresher training. The Command Team of all units conducting Operational Sea training/Directed Continuation Training receive training from RN Legal Advisors which covers the Geneva Conventions and IHL.　During this training it is made clear to the Command Team it is their responsibility to disseminate this information to the Ship’s Company, and this is delivered team wide via CMS7 (an annual mandatory individual training requirement). Army Training on LOAC is delivered to all ranks during soldier and officer initial training and is reinforced annually through the delivery of the Military Annual Training Test on Operational Law (MATT 7) along with progressive training incorporated in command and leadership courses thereafter. In addition, theatre-specific training on LOAC and IHL is provided to all soldiers (and officers) before they deploy on an operation. Other Ranks receive a basic level of instruction during their initial training in order to provide a fundamental understanding of the legal requirements on operations.　 This is refreshed by the annual training provided by MATT 7 and developed in through-career continuation training as part of the Soldier Command, Leadership and Management (CLM) programme. Through-career training is delivered at a level and frequency appropriate to rank, responsibility and force readiness status. Royal Air Force All RAF personnel are taught LOAC, which includes the Geneva Conventions and the provisions of UN Security Resolution 1325, during Phase 1 Training. This is reinforced annually as part of RAF Common Core Skills Training and emphasised as a core part of any Pre-Deployment Training.

Armoured Fighting Vehicles

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2014 to Question 209501, what progress his Department has made on deciding on the sourcing of the remaining 489 Scout Specialist Vehicles; and what deadline his Department has for making that decision.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Ministry of Defence, in conjunction with UK Trade and Investment, is continuing to assess the economic case for bringing Scout Specialist Vehicles' assembly to the UK.

Armed Forces: Sexual Offences

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 23 October 2014 to Question 211673, how many allegations of each of those categories were recorded relating to the (i) Army, (ii) Royal Navy, (iii) RAF and (iv) Reserve Forces in each month from January 2009 to March 2014.

Anna Soubry: The tables attached show the number of allegations of rape, sexual assault, exposure, voyeurism, and other forms of sexual misconduct, recorded by the Service police in each month since November 2009 to 31 March 2014, broken down by Service. Information for January to October 2009 is not held centrally.



217096-Reported Sexual Offence Stats Nov 09-Mar 14
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Army: Sexual Harassment

Mrs Madeleine Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 21 November 2014 to Question 215063, on Army: sexual harassment, whether he expects (a) the review of the results of that survey to be complete and (b) the survey to be placed in the Library before the next Service Commissioner's report is published in 2015.

Anna Soubry: The Ministry of Defence has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Defence Medical Services

Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many and what proportion of (a) Army, (b) Navy and (c) RAF medical personnel have been in breach of the single service harmony guidelines on each year since 2010.

Anna Soubry: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Type 26 Frigates

Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects to take a decision on the baseporting of the Type 26 frigates.

Mr Philip Dunne: The Type 26 Global Combat Ship programme is currently in its Assessment Phase. The decision on the base-porting arrangements will be taken after the programme's main investment decision.

Joint Cyber Reserve

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many recruits to the Joint Cyber Reserve Unit have come from each sector of the economy since September 2013.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people have joined the Joint Cyber Reserve Unit in each month since September 2013.

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the monthly targets are for recruitment to the Joint Cyber Reserve Unit in each month since September 2013.

Mr Julian Brazier: Recruitment for the Joint Cyber Unit (Reserve) began in October 2013 and is on track to deliver the Cyber Reserve within the next 18 months. Individuals recruited so far include those from the private and public sectors. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 March 2014 (Official Report, column 56W) to the hon. Member for Makerfield (Yvonne Fovargue). Specific details of the capability are being withheld for the purpose of safeguarding national security.



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Lord Lingfield

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 December 2014 to Question 215517, whether officials from (a) his Department and (b) the Department for Culture, Media and Sport attended either of the meetings referred to.

Anna Soubry: Yes. Officials from both Departments attended both meetings.

Defence Medical Services

Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the shortfall is in respect of each speciality of (a) regular and (b) reservist medical personnel; and if he will make a statement.

Anna Soubry: The Defence Medical Services 2020 project (DMS 20) has comprehensively reviewed existing manpower requirements to ensure the Armed Forces have the medical operational capability to support the Armed Forces structures under Future Force 2020. Against DMS 20 manning requirements there were the following shortfalls in the strength of trained Regular and Reserve DMS personnel, broken down by speciality, as at 1 October 2014. Speciality2014 DMS 20 RegularRequirementTrained Strength as at 1 October 2014Shortfall as a percentageSecondary Healthcare Consultants31722230%Primary Health Care Consultants/Medical Officers50744712%Nursing1,7001,46114%Dental410580Excess of 41%Medical Support Services/Allied Health Professionals3,9013,951Excess of 1%TOTAL6,8356,6613% Speciality2014 DMS 20 Reserve RequirementTrained Strength as at 1 October 2014Shortfall as a percentageSecondary Healthcare Consultants34818048%Primary Health Care Consultants/Medical Officers1657455%Nursing1,28682136%Dental1233472%Medical Support Services/Allied Health Professionals2,0761,13745%TOTAL3,9982,24644%

Trident

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the titles and dates of publication are of all reports held by the Government on the impact of the detonation of a UK Trident warhead.

Mr Philip Dunne: Further to my answer of 10 Sep 2014, (Official Report, column 618W), a number of reports were identified that relate to the impact of the detonation of a UK Trident warhead. This information is, however, being withheld to safeguard national security, because its release would prejudice the defence of the UK, and because it relates to the formulation of Government policy.



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Department for Communities and Local Government

Take-away Food

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how much his Department has spent on take-away food for staff since May 2010.

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how much his Department has spent on catering and hospitality since May 2010.

Kris Hopkins: I would refer the hon. Member to the comprehensive answers given by my hon. Friend, the Member for Great Yarmouth (Brandon Lewis) of 19 December 2012, Official Report, Column 837W and 9 April 2014, Official Report, Column 239W, which provides comparative figures on how we have drastically reduced expenditure, compared to Labour’s profligate spending and their Ministerial wining and dining. The limited spending we do undertake is for the likes of conferences, all-day courses or formal events, and we have recently further tightened guidance to staff.I note the hon. Member has recently tried to reheat the false Labour claims about Ministerial spending on biscuits – to which there is not a crumb of truth. Under this Government, we do not routinely incur any expenditure on refreshments for Ministers other than “de minimis” expenditure on tea and coffee for Ministers’ meetings with external visitors, or on the rare occasion when Ministers undertake overnight stays on official business outside London.Our departmental savings have also been assisted by terminating ministerial group spending on Government procurement cards, as practiced by the Labour Government at taxpayers' expense at the likes of Sky City Casino, the Cinnamon Club, the Wolseley, Brasserie 44, Boisdales, Inn the Park, Mango Tree, Shepherds, Incognico, Buffalo Bar, Mr Chu's China Palace, Tantric Jazz and Fat Tuesdays. It was the Labour Ministers who had their hands in the taxpayer-funded cookie jar.Indeed, in her answer of 6 May 2014, Official Report, House of Lords, Column 367W, my noble friend, Baroness Stowell, helpfully provided a breakdown of the £795,288 of hospitality spending from 2008-10 under the last Labour Government, which can be found online at: http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2014-0697/PQ-2369_Library_deposit_HL_6297.docxThe Department does not routinely provide take-away food for its staff, so this information is not centrally held in the form requested.I would observe that during the time the hon. Member was a special adviser at HM Treasury from 2004 to 2007 under the tutelage of the Rt. hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Gordon Brown), a total of £125,020 was spent on hospitality for Ministers (as cited in 17 December 2008, Official Report, Column 824W). Based on The Economist’s purchasing power parity index, this would have been sufficient to purchase 65,856 Big Macs. I hope the hon. Member got fries with that.

Non-domestic Rates

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what estimate he has made of how many small firms and shops will benefit from reductions in business rates in (a) England and (b) Crawley in 2015-16.

Kris Hopkins: The Chancellor announced at the 2014 Autumn Statement an extra £650 million of support for 2015-16 bills, bringing the total support of 2013 and 2014 Autumn Statement polices to £1.4 billion. This help includes:   doubling small business rate relief for a further year. In England, this means an estimated 385,000 properties will pay no rates at all, while a further 190,000 properties will benefit from tapered relief.   a 2% cap on the increase of the small business rates multiplier. This is a continuation of the 2% cap introduced in 2014-15 as part of Autumn Statement 2013 measures;   increasing the temporary £1,000 discount for shops, pubs and restaurants with rateable values below £50,000 to £1,500 for 2015-16, benefitting an estimated 300,000 properties in England;   extending the existing transitional relief scheme for two years for properties with a rateable value up to and including £50,000.   These policies are in addition to previous Autumn Statement measures that continue into 2015-16, including:   a 50 per cent discount for 18 months to new occupants of vacant shops;   allowing businesses to keep their small business rate relief for a year where they take on an additional property; and   business rates relief for empty new builds.   Central Government also now funds 50% of any local discount granted.   Local authority level data is not yet available for the number of properties that will benefit from Autumn Statement 2014 measures in 2015-16. However, the attached table shows the number of hereditaments in 2014-15 that have benefitted from business rates measures extended in this year’s autumn statement.  



Table 1
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Mortgages: Government Assistance

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, what the take-up has been of the Help to Buy schemes in (a) England and (b) Crawley constituency to date.

Brandon Lewis: This Government is committed to supporting people’s aspirations to own their own home. By 31 October, nearly 66,400 families have bought a home with the assistance of the three Help to Buy schemes in England and 132 in the Crawley constituency. The Department’s official statistics on sales for the Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme, at 31 October in England, broken down by constituency, local authority and postcode, are available at: www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/help-to-buy-equity-loan-scheme-monthly-statisticsThe Department’s official statistics on sales for the Help to Buy: New Buy scheme, at 30 September are available at: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/help-to-buy-equity-loan-scheme-and-help-to-buy-newbuy-statistics-april-2013-to-september-2014 Figures are not available by constituency. The Help to Buy: Mortgage Guarantee scheme is managed by HM Treasury. The latest official statistics, at 30 September, are available at: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/help-to-buy-mortgage-guarantee-scheme-quarterly-statistics-october-2013-to-september-2014

Building Alterations

Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, whether front and side extensions are subject to the same neighbouring amenity rules as rear extensions under the General Permitted Development Order 2013.

Brandon Lewis: The provisions in the 2013 Order only apply to rear extensions. The details can be found at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1101/article/4./made My Department’s guide on permitted development rights for householders was last updated in April 2014 and can be found at: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/100806_PDforhouseholders_TechnicalGuidance.pdf

Scotland Office

Directors

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many members of his Department's executive board are (a) male and (b) female.

David Mundell: Eight members of the Joint Management Board of the Scotland Office and the Office of the Advocate General are male and one is female.

Public Houses

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, what discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on tied pub tenancies and the provisions of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill in the last month.

David Mundell: This is a devolved matter and my Rt hon Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland has not had discussions specifically on the issue of pub tenancies with Scottish Government Ministers.The Government has kept in consistent contact with the Scottish Government on the provisions of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill.

Directors

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many members of his Department's executive board are (a) white British and (b) from any other ethnic background.

David Mundell: All members of the Joint Management Board of the Scotland Office and the Office of the Advocate General are white British. The Offices plan to appoint new non-executive members in the near future.

Directors

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many members of his Department's executive board are disabled.

David Mundell: No members of the Joint Management Board of the Scotland Office and the Office of the Advocate General are registered disabled. The Offices plan to appoint new non-executive members in the near future.

Furniture

Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many desks are in his Department's main building; how many such desks are (a) owned and (b) leased by his Department; and what the cost is per desk of leasing.

David Mundell: The Scotland Office’s main building is Dover House in London. In the parts of the building occupied solely by Scotland Office officials there are thirty desks. All of them are owned by the Scotland Office.

Women and Equalities

Castes: Discrimination

Mr Adam Holloway: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 13 October 2014 to Question 209041, what assessment she has made of the implications of the findings of the final report on estimating the extent of caste-based discrimination in the UK on the timescale for the publication of a consultation on caste discrimination.

Nick Boles: We are currently considering the form and timing of the public consultation in the light of ongoing caste discrimination litigation in the Employment Appeal Tribunal. We will await the outcome of the judgment before deciding in what form to issue the public consultation.

Department for Transport

Railways

Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many new open access rail operations have been approved since May 2010; and how many such operations were approved between May 2005 and April 2010 under the previous administration.

Claire Perry: Approval of track access agreements is a statutory function of the independent Office of Rail Regulation (ORR).　The Department for Transport does not intervene in their decision making.   The Department does not hold this information but the ORR lists all current licence holders on its website.

Transport: Blackpool

Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what capital investment allocations his Department has made to Blackpool Council since May 2010; what the value of those allocations was; and for what purpose each such allocation was made.

Claire Perry: The table below shows the capital grant allocations from the Department for Transport to Blackpool Council for the financial years 2010/2011 to 2014/15. Allocation in £000sTotal Capital AllocationBlackpool Tram Upgrade38,900Integrated Transport block8,241Highways Maintenance block7,587Pothole funding181Local Pinch Point fund2,520Severe Weather payments440Better Bus Area Fund1,032Cycle Demonstration Town775Cycle Safety133Total59,809

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Ascension Island

Barry Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, which Asian companies purchased commercial fishing licences in Ascension Island's waters in each of the last five years.

James Duddridge: Fisheries management is a devolved issue and as such is the responsibility of the Ascension Island Government. We have consulted the Ascension Island Government regarding this information. It would not be appropriate to provide the names of companies which purchased commercial fishing licences as this information is held in commercial confidence by the Ascension Island Government. All existing fishing licences expired at the end of 2013 and the Ascension Island Government are not issuing any new fishing licences until a decision has been made on the future management regime.

Energy

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he has taken to insulate his Departmental estate in order to improve energy efficiency; and if he will make a statement.

Mr David Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has insulated heating and cooling pipework as well as boilers throughout its UK estate. Our listed London buildings have high thermal mass, but lose heat via thin single pane windows. We have installed a limited amount of secondary glazing, but comprehensively replacing windows with listed building compatible secondary glazing would be prohibitively expensive. We have been piloting sealants to reduce draughts in London and at Hanslope Park. Wall insulation has been installed in parts of the top floor of our King Charles Street premises.

West Africa: Ebola

Jonathan Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the effect of the Ebola outbreak on the political and economic stability of the West African nations affected; and if he will make a statement.

James Duddridge: We monitor the stability of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia closely, drawing on reporting from our Embassies in the region. The Ebola outbreak has not led to widespread public order problems in any of the three countries, though isolated incidents have occurred. Their Governments have proved largely resilient, despite the enormous pressures caused by the crisis. Britain’s support to the Ebola response and our long-standing political, development, and security partnership with the Sierra Leonean Government has been a major contributory factor in that country. The economies of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea have all suffered from Ebola whilst falls in commodity prices have also affected growth. The latest World Bank reports suggest that growth may be flat or negative and will stretch Government finances. Agriculture, tourism and services sectors have been worst hit. In recent years, we have worked closely with the Sierra Leonean authorities to promote long-term economic growth, and will intensify these efforts to help them mitigate the effects of the current crisis.

Moldova

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has assessed the recent Moldovan parliamentary elections as free and fair; and if he will make a statement.

Mr David Lidington: The 30 November Moldovan parliamentary elections illustrate Moldova’s commitment to democracy. We support the right of every Moldovan voter to have their say on the future they want for their country without outside interference.The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights-led international election mission’s Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions found that the parliamentary elections were "conducted in line with international standards and norms". And that, although the late exclusion from the election of one political party raised questions about timing and circumstances, there was a wide choice of political alternatives.The UK provided two long-term and 18 short-term observers to the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights mission.

Nuclear Weapons

Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the outcomes of the international conference on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons held in Vienna on 8 and 9 December 2014; if he will publish on his Department's website all print and oral submissions made by the UK to the conference; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: A very wide range of views was expressed by participants at the Conference, as reflected in the factual summary of the conference issued under the Chair’s authority. Some argued that the way to achieve the goal of a world without nuclear weapons was to ban weapons now, or to fix a timetable for their elimination. This approach fails to take account of the stability and security which nuclear weapons can help to secure. None of us would gain from a loss of that stability. The United Kingdom believes that the UN Disarmament Machinery and the Non-Proliferation Treaty provide the right forum for working towards a world without nuclear weapons. The UK Ambassador restated our concern at the humanitarian consequences which could result from the use of nuclear weapons. That is why the UK works extremely hard to prevent the use of nuclear weapons, to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and to keep our own nuclear weapons safe and secure. We are also committed to working towards a world without nuclear weapons. We shall, however, retain a credible, continuous and submarine-based deterrent for as long as the global security situation makes it necessary. The UK intervention at the conference has already been published on the gov.uk website. I have also arranged for a copy to be placed in the Library of the House.

South Sudan

Mr Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that the renewed mandate of the UN mission to South Sudan continues to have a strong focus on the protection of civilians; and if he will make a statement.

James Duddridge: Through our leadership in the UN Security Council, the UK supported and contributed to the UN Mission in South Sudan’s (UNMISS) mandate, in May 2014, to protect civilians, provide humanitarian assistance and investigate human rights abuses. We used the recent renewal of UNMISS’s mandate on 25 November 2014 to ensure that the protection of civilians remains a top priority.

South Sudan

Mr Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government has taken to ensure that the UN peace keeping mission to South Sudan is well-resourced, fully deployed and implementing its mandate; and if he will make a statement.

James Duddridge: The UK continues to provide political and financial support to the UN Mission in South Sudan to allow it to implement its revised mandate. We supported an increase in the number of peacekeeping troops and continue to call on the UN to ensure full deployment. In financial year 2013/14, the UK contributed almost £37m to UNMISS.

South Sudan

Mr Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received of renewed conflict in South Sudan; and if he will make a statement.

James Duddridge: Officials at our Embassy in Juba are closely monitoring and reporting on the conflict in South Sudan. Most recently there have been relatively minor clashes reported in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states. The UK is providing assistance to the regions’ Monitoring and Verification Teams that investigates violations of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

South Sudan

Mr Gareth Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that both sides in the conflict in South Sudan implement the agreement to end all hostilities; and if he will make a statement.

James Duddridge: The UK is supporting regional efforts to resolve the conflict in South Sudan by providing political and financial assistance to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development-led peace talks. The UK also led efforts to secure an EU sanctions regime for South Sudan that targeted individuals from both sides of the conflict. We will work with our UN Security Council partners to take action against those who obstruct peace. When I met Dr Benjamin, the South Sudanese Foreign Minister, during the UN General Assembly in September, I stressed the importance of a full and immediate cessation of hostilities.

Kashmir

Debbie Abrahams: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what plans he has to raise human rights issues in Kashmir with his international counterparts upon the occasion of the UN International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2014.

Mr Hugo Swire: We recognise that there are human rights concerns on both sides of the line of control in Kashmir. Any allegations of human rights abuses should be investigated thoroughly, promptly and transparently. We have dialogues with the governments of both India and Pakistan in which we make this position clear. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Ministers will be involved in marking International Human Rights Day, not least through an event hosted by my right hon. and noble Friend, the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Baroness Anelay of St Johns, and a number of written pieces by Ministers on global human right issues.

Department for International Development

Energy

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps she has taken to insulate her Departmental estate in order to improve energy efficiency; and if she will make a statement.

Mr Desmond Swayne: DFID carried out a major project last year to improve the external fabric of our Scottish office in order to reduce heat loss. We have also draught proofed windows and ensured that all pipework is insulated to the highest industry standards; particularly during the refurbishment of our new office in London.

Burma

Gavin Shuker: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how her Department ensures that monasteries in Burma which receive funds from her Department promote religious and social cohesion; and if she will make a statement.

Mr Desmond Swayne: DFID supports the Myanmar Education Consortium (MEC) which has the key objective of increasing the number and proportion of children who complete a quality basic education, including within monastic schools. The Burnet Institute is one of the MEC‘s founding partners and channels MEC funding to the Monastic Education Development Group (MEDG), which is the national level coordinating and decision-making body for the monastic education sector. It is a condition of Monastic Education Development Group support that schools not take part in any activity that risks religious and social cohesion. Any school that is found in breach of this requirement will have all funding and support withdrawn immediately. The Burnet Institute works with the management team of the MEDG to integrate peace and conflict resolution into the teacher training program.

Turkey

Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps she has taken to ensure that aid to Syrian and Iraqi refugees reaches Kurdish and Yazidi refugees living in Suruc Municipality in Turkey.

Justine Greening: We have pledged £700 million to date in response to the crisis in Syria and the wider region, of which £24.2 million has been allocated to partners working inside Turkey in response to the refugee influx. DFID assistance is based on responding to need irrespective of ethnicity.

Ebola

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how many NHS healthcare staff have been deployed to aid the response to Ebola in (a) West Africa and (b) each country.

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how many NHS healthcare staff are scheduled for deployment to aid the response to Ebola in (a) West Africa and (b) each country; and how many personnel are scheduled to be deployed on each date.

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what organisation is the employer of NHS healthcare staff deployed to Ebola-affected regions while they are outside the UK.

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what specialist training the NHS has provided to its healthcare staff before deploying in Ebola affected regions.

Justine Greening: DFID, with the collaboration of UK-Med, NHS England and Department of Health, are arranging a pipeline of staff for the UK Ebola Response in Sierra Leone, using the UK International Emergency Medical Register (UKIEMR). NHS staff deployed through the UKIEMR remain employed by their NHS Trust.   58 NHS staff have been already deployed through UKIEMR to support partners managing Ebola Treatment Centres in Sierra Leone. Some 20 NHS staff will be deployed to Sierra Leone later this month, followed by a further deployment of up to 62 staff in early 2015. Deployments beyond this point will be determined according to need. Additional NHS staff may have deployed independently to Ebola affected countries outside of the UKIEMR mechanism.   All NHS staff deploying to Sierra Leone receive specialist pre-deployment training in addition to continued training and mentoring in-country.

Department for Education

Down's Syndrome

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what proportion of children with Down's syndrome are in mainstream (a) primary and (b) post-primary schools.

Mr Edward Timpson: The Department for Education does not collect information on the numbers of children diagnosed with Down’s syndrome in England.Information is collected on the type of special educational need for children in England in the School Census, however, we do not include ‘Downs syndrome’ as a category within the data collection.The available information on children with special educational needs in England is published in the Statistical First Release ‘Special educational needs in England: January 2014’ [1]Health and Social Care Information Centre are commencing a new collection in 2015 ‘The Children and Young People’s Dataset’ which will include information on disabled children. Within this data collection there is expected to be a category of ‘downs syndrome’.[1] Special educational needs in England: January 2014:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/special-educational-needs-in-england-january-2014

Adoption and Foster Care

Mr Nigel Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of guidelines and practices used balancing between improving access to adoption and foster services for accredited prospective parents ensuring the safety of children in care.

Mr Edward Timpson: The Department for Education has not made a formal assessment of the effectiveness of these guidelines and practices for approved adopters. However, there are clear eligibility criteria and statutory guidance on approving and assessing prospective adopters and foster carers.[1] The Government believes that these standards provide adequate safeguards for children in care.[1] www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/321968/Adoption_Statutory_Guidance_2014.pdfwww.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/336073/Stat_guidance_FFA__8_July_2014.pdfwww.gov.uk/government/publications/fostering-services-assessment-and-approval-of-foster-carers

Curriculum

Iain Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will estimate the average numbers of hours per week spent teaching (a) mathematics, (b) English, (c) individual or combined sciences, (d) history, (e) French, (f) Spanish, (g) German, (h) media studies and (i) citizenship in secondary schools at key stage 4 in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11, (iii) 2011-12, (iv) 2012-13 and (v) 2013-14.

Mr Nick Gibb: The following table shows the average number of hours per week taught per teacher in selected subjects at Key Stage 4 in a typical week for each November from 2010 to 2013: Average number of hours per week taught per teacher in selected subjects at Key Stage 4 in a typical week in November of each year SUBJECT2010201120122013Mathematics6.76.87.07.0English6.76.76.86.9Physics4.44.54.54.5Chemistry4.04.14.14.1Biology3.93.84.04.1Combined/General Science7.37.27.27.1Other Sciences4.44.34.34.3History4.74.95.25.2French4.04.14.44.4Spanish4.04.34.54.6German4.14.14.34.4Media Studies4.04.14.14.1Citizenship2.02.02.02.1ALL SUBJECTS6.76.86.76.7Source: School Workforce Census Data is not available for earlier years.

Curriculum

Iain Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will estimate the total number of hours per week spent teaching (a) mathematics, (b) English, (c) individual or combined sciences, (d) history, (e) French, (f) Spanish, (g) German, (h) media studies and (i) citizenship in secondary schools at key stage 4 in (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11, (iii) 2011-12, (iv) 2012-13 and (v) 2013-14.

Mr Nick Gibb: The following table shows the numbers of teachers and total hours spent teaching selected subjects at Key Stage 4 in a typical week for each November from 2010 to 2013: Numbers of teachers and total hours per week spent teaching selected subjects at Key Stage 4 in a typical week in November of each year(Thousands)SUBJECT2010201120122013 TeachersHoursTeachersHoursTeachersHoursTeachersHoursMathematics27.4184.927.9189.227.1188.327.5193.0English29.0194.429.5197.128.7195.929.1201.3Physics2.912.73.013.43.314.93.515.7Chemistry3.212.83.313.53.715.03.915.9Biology3.513.53.714.24.016.04.317.4Combined/ General Science27.6201.127.8200.226.6190.526.6189.1Other Sciences1.77.51.77.21.35.31.25.4History9.443.810.048.610.252.910.454.1French8.734.48.841.99.140.09.240.7Spanish3.915.79.037.24.520.64.721.7German3.614.64.218.23.515.13.414.8Media Studies4.317.44.016.23.714.93.614.8Citizenship5.410.74.69.23.77.43.26.5ALL SUBJECTS211.91,422.6211.11,425.8205.41,382.5205.61,379.9Source: School Workforce Census Data is not available for earlier years.

Employment: Young People

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that young people gain key transferable skills in order to increase their employment opportunities.

Mr Nick Gibb: This Government has focused on improving literacy and numeracy, the most transferable skills of all, whilst giving young people the advice, guidance and opportunities they need to learn about, and experience, the workplace. Maths and English are vital, basic skills which are valuable across a range of careers. More young people now achieve a GCSE in maths and English post-16 and those that have not done so by the age of 16 are now continuing to work towards them as part of their 16-19 education. The funding of 16-19 provision has been reformed so that activities such as work experience and the development of personal and employability skills are funded at the same level as qualifications. Additionally, traineeships now help thousands of young people to enter employment or an apprenticeship. To improve the quality of careers advice and guidance available to young people, we issued revised statutory guidance, underpinning the duty to secure independent careers guidance and strengthening the requirement for schools to build links with employers to inspire and mentor students. Ofsted also look at this provision as part of their inspection of schools. The Secretary of State for Education announced today (10 December) the creation of a new employer-led careers company to improve the extent and quality of the careers experiences that young people receive in schools and colleges. The company will operate independently of government and will be tasked with supporting engagement between employers on the one hand, and schools and colleges on the other. This will ensure that young people aged 12-18 receive the inspiration and guidance they need for success in working life, and will ensure stronger links between employers and schools.

Regional Schools Commissioners

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans she has to review the powers of the Regional Schools Commissioners; and if she will make a statement.

Mr Edward Timpson: Regional Schools Commissioners have only been in place for three months and already we are seeing their positive impact on academies in their regions. We will review their role and achievements in the future to ensure they have appropriate powers and responsibilities. This will be particularly important as the academies and free schools programmes grow.

Disclosure of Information

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make it her policy to publish (a) past and future minutes of meetings of headteacher boards and (b) a register of interests of regional schools commissioners; and for what reasons this information has not been published to date.

Mr Edward Timpson: As the new Regional Schools Commissioners’ roles are becoming established we are reviewing our approach to ensure that processes are sufficiently transparent.The Department for Education intends to publish a record of future headteacher board meetings and a register of interests of Regional Schools Commissioners in the new year. We are considering the most appropriate way to do this without compromising the boards’ ability to provide free and frank challenge, as well as personal and commercially sensitive information. We do not intend to retrospectively revise and publish a note of past headteacher board meetings.

Leaving Care Grant

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information her Department holds on the variation between England's local authorities in the amount spent per person on the leaving care grant.

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will publish a breakdown of local authorities' spend of the leaving care grant.

Mr Edward Timpson: The Department for Education does not undertake an annual data collection exercise on local authority spend on the leaving care grant. Based on informal feedback, the number of local authorities paying at least £2,000 leaving care grant to their care leavers has risen from 32 in 2012 to 97 at October 2013.

Higher Education: Children in Care

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what provisions are in place to help care leavers find accommodation when entering university.

Mr Edward Timpson: The statutory guidance, ‘Planning Transition to Adulthood for Care Leavers’, clearly sets out the responsibilities of local authorities to support their care leavers who are about to, or are attending university, including during vacations. In addition to the higher education bursary of £2,000 which local authorities have a duty to pay their care leavers who pursue a higher education course, individual packages of support are expected to be put in place in line with the needs identified within a care leaver’s pathway plan. The Department for Education has worked closely with Ofsted on their revised inspection framework, which now has a specific judgement on the quality of support provided to care leavers. Local authorities will be judged on the accommodation they provide to all care leavers, including those attending university, and will only receive a ‘good’ judgement if they can demonstrate they provide accommodation that “is appropriate for each young person to safely develop their independence skills” and where they “are safe and feel safe.”

Leaving Care Grant

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance her Department issues to local authorities on administering the leaving care grant.

Mr Edward Timpson: The Department for Education has strengthened the ‘Transition to Adulthood’ statutory guidance to say that the Department expects local authorities to consult with their children in care council on the level of the setting up home allowance. The guidance refers to a survey by the Care Leavers Foundation which showed that, in order to buy the minimum amount of furnishings and equipment which would be needed, the allowance should be at least £2,000. The guidance encourages all local authorities to aim for payments at this level as a minimum, to review their payments annually, and to publicise the arrangements so that their young people are fully aware of them.

Schools: Inspections

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of HM Majesty's Inspectors at the latest date for which such figures are available identify as (a) white British and (b) from any other ethnic group.

Mr David Laws: This is a matter for Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw. A copy of his reply will be placed in the library of the House.

Priority School Building Programme

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 10 November 2014 to the hon. Member for Leyton and Wanstead to Question 213345, at how many schools on the Priority School Building Programme construction work has (a) started and (b) been completed since October 2014.

Mr David Laws: The Priority School Building Programme (PSBP) is a centrally managed programme set up to address the needs of the schools most in need of urgent repair. Through the programme, 260 schools will be rebuilt or have their condition needs met by the Education Funding Agency (EFA). Under the Priority School Building Programme we have now signed construction contracts for 63 schools. 8 schools have opened in new buildings since October 2014. This brings the total number of schools open in new buildings to 14. Construction work is continuing at a number of these schools to demolish the old dilapidated buildings.

Schools: Food Banks

Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she or other Ministers of her Department have visited foodbanks run by or located in schools.

Mr Nick Gibb: Neither the Secretary of State for Education nor any of the Department’s Ministers have visited food banks run by or located in schools.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Flood Control

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many frontline flood defence staff were employed by the Environment Agency in each year since 2010-11; and how many such staff are planned to be employed in 2015-16.

Dan Rogerson: The numbers of frontline flood and coastal risk management (FCRM) full time employees (FTEs) in the Environment Agency (England only) for the years 2010-11 to 2014-15 and planned for 2015-16 are shown in the table below. FCRM Funded FTEs10/1111/1212/1313/1414/1515/16FCRM Total347333703304321532673267

Dairy Products: Prices

Dr William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when she last met the Agriculture and Rural Development Minister for Northern Ireland to discuss the volatility of prices in the dairy industry.

George Eustice: The Secretary of State chairs regular meetings with Ministers in the Devolved Administrations on issues of mutual interest. The next meeting is currently being arranged and will provide an opportunity to discuss the dairy industry. I also regularly meet representatives of the dairy industry from across the UK, including from Northern Ireland.   Defra officials maintain regular contact with their counterparts in the Devolved Administrations on a range of dairy issues.

Directors

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many members of her Department's executive board are (a) white British and (b) from any other ethnic background.

Dan Rogerson: Information on the ethnic background of Defra’s Executive Committee cannot be provided as to do so would not be fair processing of their personal data.

Directors

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many members of her Department's executive board are disabled.

Dan Rogerson: Information on the disability status of Defra’s Executive Committee cannot be provided as to do so would not be fair processing of their personal data.

Directors

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many members of her Department's executive board are (a) male and (b) female.

Dan Rogerson: The current gender breakdown of members of Defra’s Executive Committee is 4 males and 2 females.

Dairy Farming

Guy Opperman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support the UK dairy industry.

George Eustice: The Government understands the concerns of British dairy farmers over the current pressures caused by the price volatility of the global market. I brought forward a meeting of the Dairy Supply Chain Forum to 19 November to discuss ways of tackling this issue and Ministers and officials are both in regular contact with industry. In particular, we are working to help farmers to manage the short term impact of price volatility and maximise its potential. We have given dairy farmers the opportunity for greater influence in the marketplace through uniting in Producer Organisations. The new Countryside Productivity Scheme, which will start in 2015, will include grants for investment in equipment, start-up activity for young farmers, and projects to help tackle endemic diseases. The long term prospects for growth in the dairy sector are good and UK dairy exports are now at record levels reaching £1.3billion last year, a nominal increase of 62% since 2009. We are pushing within Europe for better Country of Origin labelling for British dairy products. In the past year we have opened new markets for UK dairy in Cuba, Honduras, and Madagascar which supported 47% year on year growth in non-EU dairy exports in 2014.

Department for Energy and Climate Change

Energy Companies Obligation

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, pursuant to the Answer of 21 November 2014 to Question 214565, which proxies are used to find low income and vulnerable households at risk of fuel poverty under the Energy Company Obligation.

Amber Rudd: The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) uses a range of proxies to find low income and vulnerable households at risk of fuel poverty. These proxies are used to define eligibility for the Affordable Warmth and Carbon Savings Community Obligation elements of ECO.The original ECO Order, which defines the eligibility criteria, is available here:http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/3018/schedule/1/madePlease note, new legislation is in the process of finalisation following Parliamentary debates in November 2014.The eligibility criteria, which help identify low income households, work in tandem with the ECO scoring system. This encourages delivery in households with the highest energy costs. Taken together, this means ECO is effective in reaching fuel poor households.

Energy: Prices

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, pursuant to the Answer of 24 November 2014 to Question 214542, what research his Department carried out in determining that no suppliers require an upfront payment from customers on a credit meter.

Matthew Hancock: The Department identified if a supplier required upfront non-refundable payments from consumers on credit meters, during the switching process using publically available information provided by each energy supplier.Recent research by the Department has revealed that in certain circumstances, including the absence of any consumer credit history, a supplier may request a credit meter customer to pay a refundable security deposit before the switching process. The deposit will be returned to the customer either by cash refund or credit balance added to their energy account after energy bills have been paid on a regular basis over 12 month period.

Solar Power

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what funds are available under the Levy Control Framework (LCF) for the under 5MWp solar PV Renewables Obligation; and what estimate his Department has made of (a) MW capacity and (b) amount of LCF budget for under 5MWp deployment in 2014-15 and 2015-16.

Matthew Hancock: As set out in the Annual Energy Statement, estimated spending on the Renewables Obligation for 2014/15 and 2015/16 is:2014/15: £2,795m2015/16: £3,360mBoth figures are in 2011/12 prices, and the figure for 2015/16 includes both estimated committed expenditure and projected expenditure on new build.While we do not publish separate figures setting out projected expenditure on particular size projects of individual technologies, the Government response to the consultation to close the Renewables Obligation to large-scale solar (above 5MW) estimated that between 1.7GW and 4GW of solar of all scales would deploy in 2014/15 under the Renewables Obligation, and that between 300MW and 500MW of solar under 5MW would deploy in 2015/16. This is set out in Table 7 of the accompanying impact assessment.Solar deployment under 5MW will be supported under the Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) scheme as well as the Renewables Obligation.The Annual Energy Statement is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/371387/43586_Cm_8945_accessible.pdfThe Government response to the solar consultation and the impact assessment are available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-changes-to-financial-support-for-solar-pv.

Energy Supply: Rural Areas

Mr Mike Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what estimate he has made of the number of rural off gas grid households in (a) England, (b) Scotland, (c) Wales and (d) each county in each.

Matthew Hancock: Holding answer received on 08 December 2014



Estimates of the number of off gas properties are available at country, Local Authority and lower layer super output area level within Great Britain. These are not split by rural or urban classification. It is estimated that in 2012 the number of off gas properties in each country was:CountryPer centNumberEngland10 per cent2,209,000Scotland18 per cent437,000Wales15 per cent195,000Great Britain11 per cent2,826,000Estimates for local authority are available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/sub-national-estimates-of-households-not-connected-to-the-gas-network.Estimates for 2013 will be published on 18 December 2014.

Energy Companies Obligation

Mr Mike Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what information he holds on the level of contribution paid by (a) rural off gas grid customers and (b) other customers for measures installed under the Energy Companies Obligation to date.

Amber Rudd: Holding answer received on 08 December 2014



We do not collect this data across measures.

Affordable Warmth Programme

Mr Mike Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, how many households that benefited from Affordable Warmth measures whose primary fuel type was not mains gas were using each type of fuel up to 30 June 2014.

Matthew Hancock: Holding answer received on 08 December 2014



The information requested is not available.

Private Rented Housing: Fuel Poverty

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what estimate his Department has made of the number of fuel poor households in the private rented sector living in properties with an energy performance certificate rating of (a) A, (b) B, (c) C, (d) D, (e) E, (f) F and (g) G.

Amber Rudd: The estimated number of fuel poor households under the Low Income High Costs (LIHC) definition living in the private rented sector, in England in 2010-2012 by Standard Assessment (SAP) band are given below. Due to small sample sizes some SAP bands have been aggregated.2012: Fuel Poor(000s)Non-Fuel Poor(000s)Allprivate rentedHouseholds(000s)A/B/C/D2172,3732,591E393588982F/G145212357Total7553,1743,929 2011: Fuel Poor(000s)Non-Fuel Poor(000s)All private rentedHouseholds(000s)A/B/C/D1912,0552,246E4026731,075F/G190206396Total7822,9343,716 2010: Fuel Poor(000s)Non-Fuel Poor(000s)All private rentedHouseholds(000s)A/B/C/D1411,7321,874E3777141,091F/G183253436Total7012,7003,401

Energy: Prices

Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, pursuant to the Answer of 26 November 2014 to Question 215252, if he will place in the Library a copy of his Department's estimate of retail (a) electricity and (b) gas prices in each month between January 2007 and November 2014.

Matthew Hancock: Copies of the data requested in Question 215252 have now been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Tidal Power

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what assessment he has made of the contribution of tidal impoundment to renewable energy production in the UK.

Amber Rudd: In 2007, the Government published the Atlas of UK marine renewable energy resources (see attached), which assesses, amongst other things, the tidal range resource around the UK.The Government’s 2010 Severn Tidal Power feasibility study [1] then assessed the potential for 5 generic Severn Estuary schemes, including potential energy production.Following this, the 2012 Crown Estate’s UK Wave and Tidal Key Resource Areas [2] assessed the theoretical resource of tidal barrage and tidal lagoons across the UK at 96 TWh/year (45 GW) and 25 TWh/year (14 GW) respectively. [1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/1-severn-tidal-power-feasibility-study-conclusions-and-summary-report [2] The Crown Estate, UK Wave and Tidal Key Resource Areas Project, Summary Report, October 2012   



2007 UK Marine Renewables Atlas Pt.1
(PDF Document, 3.33 MB)




2007 UK Marine Renewables Atlas Pt.2
(PDF Document, 1.72 MB)




2007 UK Marine Renewables Atlas Pt.3
(PDF Document, 3.08 MB)

Energy

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what estimate he has made of the average decommissioning costs of (a) nuclear power stations, (b) offshore wind turbines, (c) onshore wind turbines, (d) coal-powered power stations, (e) gas-powered power stations, (f) solar farms, (g) tidal lagoons, (h) biomass generation and (i) anaerobic digesters.

Matthew Hancock: The Department published estimates of the costs of nuclear decommissioning in 2010. [1] It was calculated that for a generic Pressurised Water Reactor with a capacity of 1.35GW operating for 40 years, decommissioning and waste management costs were in the range £800m – £1800m.For offshore wind farms, the developers of some projects have provided my rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State with estimates for the cost of decommissioning their wind farms under the provisions of the Energy Act 2004. On the basis of this information, the estimated cost of decommissioning offshore wind farms is around £700,000 per turbine.A report on the economic impacts of onshore wind published jointly by the Department and RenewableUK in May 2012 [2] estimated that the cost of decommissioning each turbine as being in the region of £60,000.  The Department has not produced estimates for the average or typical costs of decommissioning for other types of energy generating assets.   [1] Consultation on a Methodology to Determine a Fixed Unit Price for Waste Disposal and Updated Cost Estimates for Nuclear Decommissioning, Waste Management and Waste Disposal, March 2010:  https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/42533/1_20100324145948_e____ConsultationonFixedUnitPricemethodologyandupdatedcostestimates.pdf  2 Onshore Wind Direct & Wider Economic Impacts, May 2012 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/48359/5229-onshore-wind-direct--wider-economic-impacts.pdf.

Energy

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what research funding his Department has allocated to developing new technologies for (a) nuclear power stations, (b) offshore wind turbines, (c) onshore wind turbines, (d) coal powered power stations, (e) gas powered power stations, (f) solar powered farms, (g) tidal lagoons, (h) biomass and (i) anaerobic digesters.

Amber Rudd: Whilst it is possible that the Department of Energy and Climate Change may hold information on expenditure allocation in developing new technologies for (a) nuclear power stations, (b) offshore wind turbines, (c) onshore wind turbines, (d) coal powered power stations, (e) gas powered power stations, (f) solar powered farms, (g) tidal lagoons, (h) biomass and (i) anaerobic digesters, the allocations may well include a mixture of consultancy, out-sourced programme management and not necessarily research and development.Consequently we are not able to identify how much research funding has been allocated to each of those areas without incurring disproportionate cost.

Energy

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what estimate he has made of the days of lost production from (a) nuclear power stations, (b) offshore wind turbines, (c) onshore wind turbines, (d) coal-powered power stations, (e) gas-powered power stations, (f) solar farms, (g) tidal lagoons, (h) biomass generation and (i) anaerobic digesters in the last 12 months.

Amber Rudd: The Department doesn’t hold this information centrally, and can only provide it at disproportionate cost.

Microgeneration

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what recent assessment he has made of the contribution of micro-generation to the National Grid; and if he will make a statement.

Matthew Hancock: The table below shows electricity generated from micro-generation installations between 2010/11 and 2013/14 and its share of total UK electricity supply. This includes electricity generated from installations registered on the Feed-in Tariff Scheme (FiT), and the Renewables Obligation (RO). FiT data for 2013-14 are due to be published by Ofgem on 18th December. Total Generated from Micro Schemes (GWh) 2010-112011-122012-132013-14Feed-in Tariff Scheme (GWh)513741,236n/aRenewable Obligation (GWh)8133440Total (GWh)593871,438n/a Total Electricity Supply (GWh)382,125370,918378,186366,313 Percentage of Micro-generation0.016%0.104%0.380%n/a Full FiTs data are available at the link below:https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/feed-tariff-fit-scheme/feed-tariff-reports/annual-reportsRO data are available in table 6.3 at:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-trends-section-6-renewablesElectricity supply data are available in table 5.2 at:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/electricity-section-5-energy-trends

Warm Home Discount Scheme

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if he will estimate how many households would receive a rebate if the Warm Homes Discount were extended to park home residents.

Amber Rudd: We proposed in a recent consultation to extend, the Warm Home Discount Scheme to park home residents. This would mean that participating energy suppliers would have the option to offer rebates, through the Industry Initiatives element of the scheme, to park home residents who otherwise met the Core Group or Broader Group criteria or have a direct billing relationship with energy suppliers We will announce the outcome of the consultation shortly.This was necessary as currently we believe most park home residents do not have a direct billing relationship with energy suppliers. As a result, it has not been possible to provide the Warm Home Discount to them in the usual way.

Warm Home Discount Scheme: Northern Ireland

Ian Paisley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, if he will meet the Northern Ireland Executive to discuss the inclusion of pensioners in Northern Ireland in the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Amber Rudd: Fuel poverty is devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive, which decides its own fuel poverty objectives and policies.

Wind Power: Seas and Oceans

Mr Mike Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what estimate he has made of the capacity of offshore wind projects likely to bid for Contracts for Difference awarded by his Department in April 2014.

Matthew Hancock: The Department for Energy and Climate Change has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Warm Home Discount Scheme

Michael Dugher: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, how many people have (a) applied and (b) received a grant from the Warm Home Discount scheme in (i) Barnsley East, (ii) South Yorkshire and (iii) the UK.

Amber Rudd: The Warm Home Discount scheme operates across Great Britain. Data for the number of people applying for or receiving assistance under the Warm Home Discount scheme are not available on a regional or constituency basis.

Deputy Prime Minister

Sovereignty: Scotland

Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2014 to Question 210492, when the documents mentioned will be ready for publication; and to what timescale such types of documents are normally made available to the public.

Mr Sam Gyimah: As per the answer given to question 210492, the documents are being prepared for publication and will be published via the government’s transparency portal in the coming weeks. Further details on the Cabinet Office open data strategy, including commitments to publish such data can be found here: http://data.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Cabinet%20Office%20Open%20Data%20Strategy_10.pdf.

Attorney General

Administration of Justice

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Attorney General, what support his Department provides to victim and witness support units.

Mr Robert Buckland: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) continues to support the joint police/CPS Witness Care Units (WCUs) through the provision of staff and key case information that allows the unit to support victims and witnesses throughout the progress of their case. The CPS has also recently implemented Victim Liaison Units (VLUs) in every CPS Area. These dedicated units provide victims with clear explanations of CPS decisions about their cases, in line with our Victims’ Code commitments.

Driving Offences: Prosecutions

Mr Andy Slaughter: To ask the Attorney General, how many people were prosecuted for driving cars while (a) disqualified from driving and (b) uninsured in each police force area in the UK in each year since 2010.

Mr Robert Buckland: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) does not centrally record the total number of people prosecuted for driving whilst disqualified or driving whilst uninsured. To obtain details of the number of defendants prosecuted for these offences, would require a manual review of individual case files to be undertaken at a disproportionate cost.Driving motor vehicles while uninsured are specified proceedings. These are offences that are prosecuted by the police rather than the CPS in order to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure swifter justice. The CPS will only prosecute a specified offence in cases where a not guilty plea has been entered or when the defendant is charged with other associated offences such as driving with excess alcohol.

Ministry of Justice

Court Orders: Compensation

Mr David Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many deduction of earning orders for payment of compensation orders have not been placed within the three-month target period in each year since 2010.

Mike Penning: This Government takes recovery and enforcement of financial impositions very seriously and remains committed to finding new ways to ensure impositions are paid and to trace those who do not pay. This is why there has been a year on year increase in the total amount of financial impositions collected over the last three years.It is not possible to identify how many deductions from benefits orders or attachment of earnings orders have been used for the recovery of compensation without incurring disproportionate cost as this information can only be obtained by a manual search of all live and closed financial imposition accounts.

Criminal Injuries Compensation

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many victims of sexual abuse have (a) applied for compensation from the criminal injuries compensation scheme, (b) received compensation from the criminal injuries compensation scheme and (c) had applications for compensation from the criminal injuries compensation scheme rejected because of criminal convictions in each of the last four years.

Mike Penning: Under this Government more money than ever before is being raised from offenders specifically to help victims of crime. This is on top of a range measures introduced since 2010 to ensure victims improve their experience of the CJS. Last year the revamped Victims’ Code was issued to ensure people receive more support when reporting a crime – knowing what will happen from the moment they report a crime to the end of a trial and beyond, as well as who to demand that help from if it is not been offered up. Next year, victims’ rights to tell the court how their crime has affected them will be set out in statute; a new nationwide Victims’ Information Service will be set up to ensure better information and support; and millions of pounds will be invested in improving the court experience. Crucially, we will also develop plans to require advocates to undergo specialist training before taking part in sexual abuse or rape trials, which will make going to court easier and less distressing for victims. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) does not have figures for the number of applications received or rejected by type of injury. CICA pay awards based on injury descriptions, from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme's 'Tariff of Injuries', these are recorded once CICA have assessed someone as eligible to receive the compensation payable for that injury. CICA can only produce figures based on awards paid. The table below shows all claims where an award was paid for an injury under the category ‘Sexual offence where the victim is any age (if not already compensated as a child)’. Financial yearNumber of awards2010-111,5802011-121,3072012-131,3762013-141,199

Criminal Injuries Compensation

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many victims of childhood sexual abuse have (a) applied for compensation from the criminal injuries compensation scheme, (b) received compensation from the criminal injuries compensation scheme and (c) had applications for compensation from the criminal injuries compensation scheme rejected because of criminal convictions in each of the last four years.

Mike Penning: The MoJ has set aside around £4m a year since 2011 to fund existing female rape support centres, which also cater for those with historic cases of abuse. The Coalition Agreement pledged to set up 15 new centres, which we have delivered on. We have also established the first ever fund specifically to help male victims of sexual crimes. We are also piloting pre-trial cross-examination to help young and vulnerable witnesses give evidence without going through what can be an aggressive and intimidating court experience. This is being tested in three Crown Courts and will be rolled out more widely if successful The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) does not have figures for the number of applications received or rejected by type of injury. CICA pay awards based on injury descriptions, from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme's 'Tariff of Injuries', these are recorded once CICA have assessed someone as eligible to receive the compensation payable for that injury. CICA can only produce figures based on awards paid. The table below shows all claims where an award was paid for an injury under the category ‘Sexual offence where victim is a child (under age 18 at time of, or commencement of, offence) or an adult who by reason of mental incapacity is incapable of giving consent’. It is worth noting the volume of awards paid remains proportionate to the volume of overall applications CICA received, which is reducing year-on-year. Financial yearNumber of awards2010-113,3502011-122,7222012-132,5922013-142,165

Administration of Justice

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what support his Department provides for victim and witness support units.

Mike Penning: Victim Liaison Units and Witness Care Units are run by the Crown Prosecution Service and I refer the Honourable Member to the answer provided by the Attorney-General, which can be found at: http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-questions-answers/?page=1&max=20&questiontype=AllQuestions&house=commons%2clords&uin=217105

Energy

Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what efforts he has taken to insulate his Departmental estate in order to improve energy efficiency; and if he will make a statement.

Mike Penning: The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. We have a programme of work which includes improving building insulation during roof and major internal refurbishments as well as during any work done on boilers and in plant rooms. Reducing the loss of heat from all sources forms an important part of our strategy to deliver savings within the MOJ Estate.

International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when the UK plans to sign the International Convention for the Protection of all persons from Enforced Disappearances (2006).

Simon Hughes: The UK already has a strong framework that protects human rights and protects against arbitrary arrest, as set out in the UK’s Mid Term Report under the Universal Periodic Review submitted in August 2014. The UK is a party to a number of United Nations human rights treaties. Before ratifying a treaty, the UK Government carries out an evaluation of the legislative and administrative changes that adherence would entail. The Ministry of Justice is currently co-ordinating an evaluation of the United Nations International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CPED). We will provide further details on this evaluation in the next UK report under the United Nations Universal Periodic Review in 2016, or in an earlier vehicle if possible. The relevant section of the UK’s Mid Term Report can be found at pages 24-26 here: http://lib.ohchr.org/HRBodies/UPR/Documents/Session13/GB/UKMidTermReport_Aug2014.doc).

Drugs: Wales

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many convictions there were in courts in North Wales for the misuse of controlled drugs in each of the last five years.

Mike Penning: Drug offending is serious in itself and drug abuse also underlies a huge volume of acquisitive and violent crime which can blight communities. The independent Sentencing Council issued a sentencing guideline on drug offences, effective from February 2012, which brought sentencing guidance together for the first time to help to ensure consistent and proportionate sentencing for all drug offences that come before courts. The number of convictions for offences under the Misuse of controlled drugs in courts within the North Wales Police force area, from 2009 to 2013 (the latest available) can be viewed in the table. Number of convictions for the misuse of controlled drugs in courts within North Wales police force area 2009-2013 (1)(2)(3)   YearTotal Guilty 2009450 2010561 2011533 2012447 2013485(1) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. (2) The conviction statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. (3) All Offences under Misuse of Drugs Act 1971  Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice.

Magistrates

Mr Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many sitting magistrates there were in each of the last five financial years.

Mr Shailesh Vara: The number of sitting magistrates in England and Wales in each of the last five financial years was as follows: 2013-2014 – 21,6132012-2013 – 23,2442011-2012 – 25,1552010-2011 – 26,9662009-2010 – 29,270

Driving Offences: Fines

Mr Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the average fine imposed for (a) driving without insurance, (b) failure to stop or report a road accident, (c) failure to produce an insurance certificate, (d) failure to produce a test certificate and (e) driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence was in the last four years.

Mike Penning: The average fine (£) for selected offences under the Road Traffic Act 1988, in England & Wales, from 2010 to 2013 (the latest available) can be viewed in the table. Average fine (£) for selected offences under the Road Traffic Act 1988, England & Wales, 2010-2013(1)(2)   Offence 2010201120122013Failing to stop after accident - S. 170(4)   190.02198.71211.67222.04   Failing to report accident within 24 hours - S.170(4)&(7)   173.19180.36188.41204.57   Insurer failing to supply police with particulars and other offences under the regulations - S.170(7); S.165(3)   98.90148.13150.76134.44   Using motor vehicle uninsured against third party risks - S.143(2)   285.58288.50322.41346.29   Driver of a prescribed vehicle being absent without permission during examination of the vehicle - S.165(3)   118.00122.01144.80139.79 Driving, causing or permitting a person to drive other than in accordance with a licence (full or provisional) (except HGV) - S.87(1)&(2) & R.16   112.84115.49128.43138.58  (1) The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe.   (2) Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used.   Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice.  Ref: PQ 217536

Disciplinary Proceedings

Mr Andy Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many officials in his Department have been suspended from duty in each month since May 2010.

Mike Penning: Information on the number of staff within the MoJ and NOMS who have been suspended from duty each month is set out in the tables below. Information prior to February 2011 is not available as this data was not recorded centrally.Suspension is not a disciplinary sanction or a sign of guilt, but is used to progress an investigation smoothly or to protect the health and safety of those involved. 2011 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTotalMoJN/A1112376332635NOMSN/A2625183320383226232125287  2012 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTotalMoJ54218591964357NOMS242734273222302720223116312  2013 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTotalMoJ25754516476658NOMS232738232126192724343123316  2014 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTotalMoJ14843068450N/AN/A52NOMS33292717103224201917N/AN/A228

Cabinet Office

Voluntary Work: Stafford

Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many young people in Stafford constituency participated in the National Citizen Service in each of the last two years.

Mr Rob Wilson: National Citizen Service continues to grow and over 130,000 young people have taken part in the programme since 2011. Data on the programme is held at Local Authority level and in 2013 331 young people participated in Staffordshire, this increased to 470 in 2014.

Employment: Gillingham

Rehman Chishti: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what proportion of women in Gillingham and Rainham constituency were in work in each of the last five years.

Mr Rob Wilson: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply. 



ONS Letter to Member - Women in Work
(PDF Document, 117.72 KB)

Furniture

Helen Goodman: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many desks are in his Department's main building; how many such desks are (a) owned and (b) leased by his Department; and what the cost is per desk of leasing.

Mr Francis Maude: 70 Whitehall is undergoing refurbishment under a programme initiated by the previous Government. No desks are leased.

Department for Culture Media and Sport

Mobile Phones

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what plans his Department has to expand the use of 3G communications throughout the UK.

Mr Edward Vaizey: Mobile coverage in the UK is among the best in Europe. Ofcom’s Infrastructure Report 2014 notes that 84% of the UK (outdoors) and 71% of the UK (indoors) has 3G coverage from all operators, with mobile services among the cheapest in Europe. The UK is also experiencing one of the fastest rollouts of 4G mobile broadband services in Europe – with over 70% of premises already having 4G services available from at least one operator and with the operators aiming to reach 98% of premises by the end of 2015.

Mobile Phones: Radio Frequencies

Sir Peter Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to paragraph 1.117 of the Autumn Statement 2014, what discussions he has had with representatives of the Programme Making and Special Event sector on the consequences for their work and the wavelengths they use of the further clearance of spectrum for mobile use.

Mr Edward Vaizey: As set out in the National Infrastructure Plan and Autumn Statement, further details of the change of use of 700MHz spectrum will be set out in 2015. As part of that process, Ofcom are currently carrying out work to find suitable alternative spectrum for PMSE. We would encourage the PMSE community to engage in that process.

Mobile Phones: Denbighshire

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of mobile telephone coverage in rural areas of Denbighshire.

Mr Edward Vaizey: An assessment of mobile telephone coverage of the whole of the UK, including Denbighshire, has been carried out by Ofcom and is publicly available on the Regulator’s web site: http://maps.ofcom.org.uk/mobile-services/This covers both 2G and 3G networks and may be consulted on the basis of geographical area or premises. Coverage in each area is ranked from 1 to 5 on the level of mobile coverage (1= 95% or more; 2= 90% - less than 95%; 3= 80% - less than 90%; 4= 60% - less than 80%; 5= less than 60%). It is also possible to download the data in tabular form. The data were last up-dated on 13 December 2013. More information may be found in Ofcom’s 2013 up-date to its Infrastructure Report, also available to down load at: http://maps.ofcom.org.uk/mobile-services/

Tidal Power

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the effect of tidal lagoons on (a) coastal tourism and (b) aquaculture.

Mrs Helen Grant: I have not made an assessment of the effect of tidal lagoons on coastal tourism or aquaculture.

Pay

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many and what proportion of (a) his Department's staff and (b) staff working for companies contracted by his Department are paid less than the Living Wage.

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many and what proportion of (a) his Department's staff and (b) staff working for companies contracted by his Department who are paid less than the Living Wage are (i) women and (ii) men.

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many and what proportion of (a) his Department's staff and (b) staff working for companies contracted by his Department who are paid less than the Living Wage are (i) white British and (ii) from an ethnic minority background.

Mrs Helen Grant: DCMS does not have any direct employees who are paid less than the living wage. DCMS is not responsible for setting pay levels for contracted workers. This is a matter for the organisations who employ them. However, we actively encourage employers to ensure that the living wage is paid and we would monitor these when contracts are being negotiated.